How to Pronounce Refractory

To pronounce "refractory", say REFR-act-ory — 3 syllables, IPA /ɹɪˈfɹæk.təɹ.i/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

refractory

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/ɹɪˈfɹæk.təɹ.i/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “refractory”

"refractory" has 3 syllables: refr-act-ory. It rhymes with satisfactory and olfactory, if that helps it stick.

What does refractory mean?

noun

  1. A material or piece of material, such as a brick, that has a very high melting point.

adjective

  1. Obstinate and unruly; strongly opposed to something.
  2. Not affected by great heat.

Synonyms

contraryfractiousfireproofheat-resistant

Hear “refractory” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with refractory

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

satisfactoryolfactoryunsatisfactoryfactorytractory

Related words

stubbornrecalcitrantintractablefractiousdisobedientuncooperativereluctantresistant

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "refractory"?▾

"Refractory" has 3 syllables: refr · act · ory.

What is the IPA transcription of "refractory"?▾

The IPA transcription of "refractory" is /ɹɪˈfɹæk.təɹ.i/.

What does "refractory" mean?▾

Refractory: A material or piece of material, such as a brick, that has a very high melting point.

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