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refine
[ri-fahyn]
verb (used with object)
to bring to a fine or a pure state; free from impurities.
to refine metal, sugar, or petroleum.
to purify from what is coarse, vulgar, or debasing; make elegant or cultured.
to bring to a finer state or form by purifying.
to make more fine, subtle, or precise.
to refine one's writing style.
verb (used without object)
to become pure.
The silver is refining in the furnace.
to become more fine, elegant, or polished.
His parents hope that his manners will refine as he gets older.
to make fine distinctions in thought or language.
verb phrase
refine on / upon, to improve by inserting finer distinctions, superior elements, etc..
to refine on one's previous work.
refine
/ rɪˈfaɪn /
verb
to make or become free from impurities, sediment, or other foreign matter; purify
(tr) to separate (a mixture) into pure constituents, as in an oil refinery
to make or become free from coarse characteristics; make or become elegant or polished
to remove (something impure or extraneous)
(intr; often foll by on or upon) to enlarge or improve (upon) by making subtle or fine distinctions
(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
Example Sentences
Bartenders are elevating these drinks with high-quality ingredients, local fruits, and refined technique.
Local scrapyards buy copper and resell it to larger metal recyclers, which process and refine it so it can be recycled into new products.
It takes time for the work processes inside of companies to be reorganized and refined around new information technologies.
Instead, they think he will refine the company’s pipeline of lithium projects, with developments happening more slowly than originally planned.
The North Koreans have not only made their thievery more efficient, but have also refined their money-laundering techniques to the point that the stolen booty disappears into the dark reaches of cyberspace within days.
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