refinery

American  

[ri-fahy-nuh-ree] / rɪˈfaɪ nə ri /

noun

plural

refineries

1. an establishment for refining something, as metal, sugar, or petroleum.

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refinery British  

/ rɪˈfaɪnərɪ /

noun

1. a factory for the purification of some crude material, such as ore, sugar, oil, etc

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refinery Scientific  

/ rĭ-fī′nə-rē /

1. An industrial plant that uses mechanical and chemical means to purify a substance, such as petroleum or sugar, or to convert it to a form that is more useful.

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Etymology

Origin of refinery

First recorded in 1720–30; refine + -ery

Example Sentences

Several refineries have closed in recent years because of the state’s high cost of doing business.

From The Wall Street Journal

Authorities in Saudi Arabia said there had been an attempted drone attack on its largest oil refinery, Ras Tanura, on the Gulf coast.

From BBC

It is also a major producer of crude oil, although it still imports substantial quantities to meet refinery needs.

From MarketWatch

Damage to Middle Eastern refineries has temporarily knocked out some production.

From Barron's

There are smaller precautionary shutdowns of refineries in northern Iraq.

From Barron's

Related Words

• refiner