refractory
UK: /rɪˈfræk.tər.i/ | US: /rɪˈfræk.tɔːr.i/
adj. resistant to control or authority; stubborn
adj. (medical) not responding to treatment
adj. (materials science) resistant to heat or corrosion
The word refractory originates from Latin refractarius (stubborn, rebellious), derived from refringere (to break back). The core idea is of something "breaking back" against control or treatment, whether in behavior (stubbornness), medicine (resistance to treatment), or materials (resistance to heat). The term evolved in English to describe unyielding qualities across disciplines.
The refractory student refused to follow the teacher’s instructions.
The infection proved refractory to antibiotics.
Refractory bricks line the furnace to withstand extreme temperatures.
His refractory attitude made negotiations difficult.
Scientists developed a new alloy for refractory industrial applications.