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re·frac·to·ry
 refractory
- pronunciation:
- rih
fraek
t
ri
- parts of speech:
- adjective, noun
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
obstinately disobedient; difficult to control, as a child or animal.
The parents of the refractory child were called in to speak with the principal.- antonyms:
- malleable
- similar words:
- contumacious, disobedient, lawless, mutinous, recalcitrant, wayward
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| definition 2: |
difficult to melt, bond, or shape, as heat-resistant metal.
- antonyms:
- malleable
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| definition 3: |
difficult to treat or remedy, as a disease.
- similar words:
- obstinate
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| related words: |
contrary, dour, hardheaded, insubordinate, obstinate, pigheaded, problem, rebellious, revolting, stubborn, unruly |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| inflections: |
refractories |
| definition: |
a heat-resistant material, such as certain ceramics or furnace bricks.
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| derivation: |
refractorily (adv.) |
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