What is a refractory table?
There’s a difference between a refectory table and a refractory table.
A refectory is an old name for the room in which people living in monasteries ate their meals. Refectory tables were tables in the refectory (dining room).
The top of a refractory table unfolds. Here’s one: http://www.diningtables.com/dining-tables/kitchen-tables/refractorydiningtablenatural.cfm?RNtt=refractory
The tabletop refracts, meaning that the under leaves shift directions (like refracted light bounces back off a mirror, or as another commenter said insulating material refracts radiating heat, sending it back into the stove or the kiln).
The leaves slide out from under the top of the table and then extend. They reverse direction to go back under the table.
