Definition of refractory

< refractor

refrain >

re·frac·to·ry    (r-frkt-r) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Obstinately resistant to authority or control. See Synonyms at unruly.
2. Difficult to melt or work; resistant to heat: a refractory material such as silica.
3. Resistant to treatment: a refractory case of acne.

NOUN:
pl. re·frac·to·ries

1. One that is refractory.
2. Material that has a high melting point.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Alteration (influenced by adjectives in -ory), of obsolete refractary from Latin refrctrius, from refrctus, past participle of refringere, to break up ; see refract

OTHER FORMS:
re·fracto·ri·ly(Adverb), re·fracto·ri·ness(Noun)