refine

[ri-fahyn]

verb (used with object)

refined, refining 

1. to bring to a fine or a pure state; free from impurities.

   to refine metal, sugar, or petroleum.

2. to purify from what is coarse, vulgar, or debasing; make elegant or cultured.

3. to bring to a finer state or form by purifying.

4. to make more fine, subtle, or precise.

   to refine one's writing style.

verb (used without object)

refined, refining 

1. to become pure.

   The silver is refining in the furnace.

2. to become more fine, elegant, or polished.

   His parents hope that his manners will refine as he gets older.

3. to make fine distinctions in thought or language.

verb phrase

1. refine on / upon,  to improve by inserting finer distinctions, superior elements, etc..

   to refine on one's previous work.

refine

/ rɪˈfaɪn /

verb

1. to make or become free from impurities, sediment, or other foreign matter; purify

2. (tr) to separate (a mixture) into pure constituents, as in an oil refinery

3. to make or become free from coarse characteristics; make or become elegant or polished

4. to remove (something impure or extraneous)

5. (intr; often foll by on or upon) to enlarge or improve (upon) by making subtle or fine distinctions

6. (tr) to make (language) more subtle or polished

Other Word Forms

• refinable adjective
• refiner noun
• prerefine verb (used with object)
• self-refining adjective
• superrefine verb (used with object)
• unrefining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refine¹

First recorded in 1575–85; re- + fine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of refine¹

C16: from _re- + _fine ¹

Example Sentences

Beyond expanding its energy business, Redwood said it will also use the new capital to expand its refining and material-production capacity and build out its engineering and operations teams.

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The study describes how these indirect interactions could be tested in upcoming experiments, allowing scientists to eliminate certain dark matter models while refining others.

Read more on Science Daily

"Lukoil engages in the exploration, production, refining, marketing, and distribution of oil and gas in Russia and internationally."

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In a contango market, traders have an incentive to buy oil and store it instead of selling it for refining or other economically productive uses.

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"Much of the plan focuses on refining analytics, disclosure and engagement -- all important tools," said Brynn O'Brien, executive director of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility.

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Related Words

• civilize 
• clarify 
• cultivate 
• hone 
• improve