refractory
/rɪˈfræktəri/
adjective
- Difficult to control or manage; stubborn or uncooperative.
- The union faced a refractory group of workers who would not agree to the new contract.
- The refractory child refused to follow any instructions from his teacher.
- Dealing with a refractory horse requires patience and gentle training.
- Resistant to a process or treatment, such as heat, disease, or medical therapy.
- Some bacteria become refractory to antibiotics after repeated exposure.
- The engineers chose a refractory material to line the furnace.
- This type of cancer is refractory to standard chemotherapy.
noun
- A substance, especially a ceramic or metal, that can withstand very high temperatures without breaking down.
- Refractories are essential in the production of steel and glass.
- The technician inspected the refractory for cracks after months of use.
- The factory uses special refractories to line the inside of the kiln.