1. not responding to treatment - a stubborn infection - a refractory case of acne - stubborn rust stains • Syn: stubborn • Similar to: intractable • Derivationally related forms: stubbornness (for: stubborn), refractoriness • Topics: medicine, medical specialty 2. temporarily unresponsive or not fully responsive to nervous or sexual stimuli - the refractory period of a muscle fiber • Similar to: unresponsive 3. stubbornly resistant to authority or control - a fractious animal that would not submit to the harness - a refractory child • Syn: fractious, recalcitrant • Similar to: disobedient • Derivationally related forms: refractoriness, fractiousness (for: fractious)