subtilize

American  

[suht-l-ahyz, suhb-tuh-lahyz] / ˈsʌt lˌaɪz, ˈsʌb təˌlaɪz /

especially British, subtilise

verb (used with object)

subtilized, subtilizing

1. to elevate in character; sublimate.

2. to make (the mind, senses, etc.) keen or discerning; sharpen.

3. to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.

4. to make thin, rare, or more fluid or volatile; refine.

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verb (used without object)

subtilized, subtilizing

1. to make subtle distinctions or to argue subtly.

subtilize British  

/ ˈsʌtɪˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to bring to a purer state; refine

2. to debate subtly

3. (tr) to make (the mind, etc) keener

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Other Word Forms

• subtilization
  noun
• subtilizer
  noun
• supersubtilized
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of subtilize

1585–95; < Medieval Latin subtīlizāre, equivalent to subtīl ( is ) subtle + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

Its Office is to Subtilize the Blood by cleansing and refining it.

From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel