refractory

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun lining consisting of material with a high melting point; used to line the inside walls of a furnace
  2. adjective not responding to treatment
  3. adjective temporarily unresponsive or not fully responsive to nervous or sexual stimuli

Etymology

From Latin refractārius (“obstinate”), from refrāctus, past participle of refringere (“to break up”). Originally refractary, refractarie, but reanalysed after other adjectives in -ory.

In classic literature

Synonyms

furnace lining

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