refractory Definition
- 1resistant to treatment or cure
- 2difficult to control or deal with
- 3resistant to heat or chemical reaction
Using refractory: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "refractory" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The patient's refractory condition required a more aggressive treatment plan.
Example
The company faced a refractory problem with their outdated technology.
Example
The refractory bricks in the furnace were designed to withstand high temperatures.
refractory Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for refractory
Antonyms for refractory
Phrases with refractory
the time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to generate another action potential
Example
The refractory period is an important aspect of the nervous system's ability to process information.
a layer of material that is resistant to high temperatures and used to protect the inner surface of a furnace or kiln
Example
The refractory lining of the furnace was damaged and needed to be replaced.
a group of metals that are highly resistant to heat and wear, including tungsten, molybdenum, and niobium
Example
Refractory metals are commonly used in high-temperature applications such as aerospace and nuclear reactors.
Origins of refractory
from Latin 'refractarius', meaning 'obstinate'
Summary: refractory in Brief
The term 'refractory' [rih-frak-tuh-ree] describes something that is resistant to treatment, difficult to control, or resistant to heat or chemical reaction. It can refer to medical conditions, technological problems, or materials that withstand high temperatures. Examples include 'The patient's refractory condition required a more aggressive treatment plan.' and 'The refractory bricks in the furnace were designed to withstand high temperatures.' Synonyms include 'unmanageable,' 'stubborn,' and 'intractable.'
