refractory period
Technical term in physiology and neuroscience for the period after excitation during which a neuron or muscle fiber cannot be re-excited. Also used metaphorically in psychology and sexology.
Because neurons have a refractory period, they cannot fire continuously.
Men also have a refractory period, and for a while after ejaculation it is difficult to achieve another erection.
Compound of 不 (fu, 'not') + 応 (ō, 'respond') + 期 (ki, 'period'). The term is a direct translation of the English 'refractory period' and is used primarily in medical and biological contexts.