Definition of refractory

The word "refractory" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "refractorius" means "relating to reflection" or "reflected back". In the 14th century, the word was borrowed into Middle English as "refractory", initially referring to something that tends to reflect or bounce back, such as light or sound. In the 17th century, the meaning of the word shifted to describe materials that are difficult to melt or shape, such as refractory materials like stone or metal. This sense of the word is still used today in fields like metallurgy and chemistry. The word "refractory" can also be used to describe people who are stubborn or resistant to change, with the implication that they are "bouncing back" against attempts to alter their behavior. This figurative sense of the word adds another layer of meaning to an already complex and multifaceted term.