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Refractory
01
a material, typically ceramic or mineral-based, used to line furnaces, kilns, incinerators, or reactors due to its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures without melting or degrading
Examples
The furnace was lined with a dense refractory to prevent heat loss.
Engineers selected a magnesium oxide refractory for its superior thermal stability.
refractory
01
hard to control because of stubbornness
Examples
The refractory student refused to follow classroom rules.
His refractory attitude made teamwork nearly impossible.
02
(of a system or cell) momentarily inactive or resistant
Examples
After firing, the neuron enters a refractory period during which it can not be stimulated again.
The heart muscle has a brief refractory phase after each contraction.
03
(of a condition or disease) resisting therapeutic intervention
Examples
The cancer proved refractory to chemotherapy.
Doctors struggled with a refractory infection that did n't respond to antibiotics.
