How Do You Spell REFRACTORY?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪfɹˈaktəɹˌi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "refractory" can be a bit tricky. IPA phonetic transcription can help to understand it. The pronunciation of the word is /rɪˈfræktəri/. The first syllable begins with a short "i" sound followed by the consonant "r". The second syllable has a short "a" sound, followed by the consonant cluster "ct". The third syllable starts with the short "o" sound, followed by the consonant "r", and ends with the vowel "y". The word refers to something that resists control or treatment.

REFRACTORY Meaning and Definition

1. Refractory, as an adjective, refers to something or someone that is resistant, unyielding, or difficult to manage, control, or work with. It describes a condition where an individual or thing is stubborn, rebellious, or unwilling to conform or submit to authority or change.

   In a literal context, refractory can relate to materials or substances that are resistant to heat, such as bricks or ceramics that can withstand intense temperatures without melting or losing their shape.

   In a medical sense, refractory is used to describe a condition or disease that is resistant to treatment or control. It refers to an illness or symptoms that do not respond to standard therapies or interventions.

   Alternatively, refractory can also be employed to characterize an individual's temperament or behavior. It suggests a person who is obstinate, uncooperative, or resistant to persuasion or advice. It implies a challenging or difficult nature that poses obstacles in dealing with them.

   Overall, the term refractory denotes a quality of resistance, whether it be in terms of substances, diseases, or human behavior. It conveys the idea of being tough, unyielding, or unable to be easily changed or influenced.

2. Obstinate, not yielding readily to treatment.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Difficult to manage; obstinately unyielding; perverse; in chem., difficult of fusion.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for REFRACTORY *

• refractorty 50%
• refactory 50%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for REFRACTORY

• refractorry
• Refractorli
• Refracterry
• Refrectary
• Refrectorry

Etymology of REFRACTORY

The word "refractory" comes from the Latin word "refractarius", which means "stubborn" or "rebellious". It is derived from the verb "refractare", which means "to break up, break open" or "to resist". This Latin verb is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the root "fractus", which means "broken" or "shattered". Over time, the word "refractory" developed in English to describe people or materials that are resistant to control, discipline, or change.

Similar spelling words for REFRACTORY

• refraction,
• refractivity,
• refractary,
• refractometer,
• refracture,
• non-refractory,
• refract,
• refractile,
• refractive,
• Refractor,
• refractory-lined,
• refrigerator,
• repressor.

Plural form of REFRACTORY is REFRACTORIES