Refractory is an adjective that means hard to manage or stubborn. Refractory is also a noun that refers to a stubborn or resistant or stubborn person.

Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word refractarius (ray frack TAR ee oos) which means ‘resistant.’ Refractory was originally used mostly in medical contexts, in reference to a disease or condition that is resistant to treatment. More recently, the word’s use has broadened and it may refer to a person who is resistant to something like, for example, criticism.

I warned Amy that, with her voice, it wasn’t a good idea to sing in a register that low, but Amy can be a bit refractory. I sometimes wish our lead singer was a little less stubborn.