REFRACT'ORY, adjective [Latin refractarius, from refragor, to resist; re and fragor, from frango.]

1. Sullen or perverse in opposition or disobedience; obstinate in non-compliance; as a refractory child; a refractory servant.

Raging appetites that are most disobedient and refractory

2. Unmanageable; obstinately unyielding; as a refractory beast.

3. Applied to metals, difficult of fusion; not easily yielding to the force of heat.

REFRACT'ORY, noun

1. A person obstinate in opposition or disobedience.

2. Obstinate opposition. [Not used.]