refractory period

noun

: the brief period immediately following the response especially of a muscle or nerve before it recovers the capacity to make a second response

called also refractory phase

Examples of refractory period in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The refractory period for knuckle cracking is about 20 minutes. Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 1 Feb. 2023 In some situations the psychological refractory period can be a matter of life and death. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2010 When the number was close to 45, the psychological refractory period got longer. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2010 For example, scientists don’t even know for sure why there is a refractory period. Benjamin Plackett, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2021 The researchers found that the psychological refractory period stopped this mental clock (pdf). Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2010

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of refractory period was circa 1880

Dictionary Entries Near refractory period

Cite this Entry

“Refractory period.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refractory%20period. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

refractory period

noun
: the brief period immediately following the response especially of a muscle or nerve before it recovers the capacity to make a second response

called also refractory phase

see absolute refractory period, relative refractory period

More from Merriam-Webster on refractory period

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!