Pronunciation: ' re-n ə -t ə nt, ri- ' n ī -t ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French rénitent, from Latin renitent-, renitens, present participle of reniti to resist, from re- + niti to strive ― more at NISUS
Date: 1701
1 : resisting physical pressure
2 : resisting constraint or compulsion : RECALCITRANT