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refractory

adjective noun

stubbornly resistant to authority or control

Quick reference

Word Facts

Word length
10
Starts with
R
Ends with
Y
Contains
EF
Scrabble score
18
Database source
OEWN 2025 Core

How it sounds

Pronunciation

ɹɪˈfɹæk.təɹ.i

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Audio Pronunciation

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Meaning

Definitions

adjective

  1. stubbornly resistant to authority or control

    “a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness”

adjective

  1. temporarily unresponsive or not fully responsive to a process or stimulus

    “the refractory period of a muscle fiber”

adjective

  1. not responding to treatment

    “a stubborn infection”

noun

  1. lining consisting of material with a high melting point; used to line the inside walls of a furnace

In context

Example Sentences

a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness
a refractory child
the refractory period of a muscle fiber
a stubborn infection
a refractory case of acne
stubborn rust stains

Similar words

Synonyms

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