hard or impossible to manage; stubbornly disobedient

a refractory child.

resisting ordinary methods of treatment.

difficult to fuse, reduce, or work, as an ore or metal.

a material having the ability to retain its physical shape and chemical identity when subjected to high temperatures.

refractories, bricks of various shapes used in lining furnaces.

adjective

disorderly , fractious , indocile , intractable , lawless , obstinate , obstreperous , recalcitrant , uncontrollable , undisciplined , ungovernable , unmanageable , untoward , wild , bullheaded , cantankerous , contrary , difficult , disobedient , headstrong , incorrigible , opinionated , perverse , rebellious , stubborn , unresponsive , unruly , unyielding , willful