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adj. 1. Showing or characterized by obstinate resistance to authority or control: refractory children; refractory behavior. 2. Difficult to melt or work; resistant to heat: a refractory material such as silica. 3. Resistant to treatment: a refractory case of acne. n. pl. re·frac·to·ries One that is refractory, especially a material that has a high melting point. [Alteration (influenced by adjectives in -ORY) of obsolete refractary, from Latin refrāctārius, from refrāctus, past participle of refringere, to break up; see REFRACT.] re·fracto·ri·ly adv. re·fracto·ri·ness n. |
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