Is 'refractory' a common word?

No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in technical and academic contexts.

What is the 'refractory period' in physiology?

It is a short period after a neuron fires or a muscle contracts during which it cannot be stimulated again.

Can 'refractory' be used for people?

Yes, but it is very formal and implies a stubborn, unmanageable resistance to authority or guidance.

What is the main mistake learners make with this word?

Using it in everyday contexts where simpler words like 'stubborn' or 'unmanageable' are more appropriate.

Is “refractory” formal?

Refractory is usually formal, technical in register.

How do you pronounce “refractory”?

Refractory: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfræk.tər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfræk.tər.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

refractory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/rɪˈfræk.tər.i/US/rɪˈfræk.tər.i/

formal, technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “refractory” mean?

resistant to authority, control, or treatment.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

resistant to authority, control, or treatment; stubbornly unmanageable.

In technical contexts: resistant to heat, corrosion, or deformation; not yielding to treatment.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Slightly more common in UK medical literature.

Connotations

Identical negative connotation for behaviour; neutral technical connotation in both.

Frequency

Low-frequency formal word in both. More likely encountered in technical writing.

Grammar

How to Use “refractory” in a Sentence

be refractory to (treatment/authority)prove refractory

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

refractory materialrefractory patientrefractory disease

medium

stubbornly refractoryhighly refractoryrefractory period

weak

refractory behaviourrefractory childrefractory to

Examples

Examples of “refractory” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The material was refractory to the extreme temperatures.
The child continued to refractory all attempts at discipline.

American English

The alloy is designed to refractory corrosion.
The patient's symptoms refractoryed standard medication.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might describe a stakeholder resistant to change.

Academic

Common in materials science, medicine, and metallurgy papers.

Everyday

Very rare. Would be perceived as highly formal.

Technical

Core term in materials engineering (refractory bricks), medicine (refractory epilepsy), and physiology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “refractory”

Strong

recalcitrantobstinatedefiant

Neutral

unmanageableintractable resistant

Weak

stubbornuncooperativedisobedient

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “refractory”

compliantobedienttractableresponsive

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “refractory”

Confusing with 'reflective' or 'fractured'. Using in casual speech where 'stubborn' suffices. Incorrect preposition: 'refractory of' (correct: 'refractory to').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in technical and academic contexts.
: It is a short period after a neuron fires or a muscle contracts during which it cannot be stimulated again.
: Yes, but it is very formal and implies a stubborn, unmanageable resistance to authority or guidance.
: Using it in everyday contexts where simpler words like 'stubborn' or 'unmanageable' are more appropriate.
: resistant to authority, control, or treatment.
: Refractory is usually formal, technical in register.
: Refractory: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfræk.tər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfræk.tər.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None specific. Occurs in fixed phrases like 'refractory period' (neuroscience/physiology).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a 'factory' worker who REFuses to work – they are re-FACTORY (refractory).

Conceptual Metaphor

STUBBORNNESS IS RESISTANCE (to authority/treatment as a material resists heat).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The epilepsy did not respond to any of the conventional medications.

Multiple Choice

In a materials science lab, 'refractory' most likely describes a substance that is: