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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
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 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share