Definition of refine

verb (v)

• improve or perfect by pruning or polishing (verb.change)

  Synonym: down, fine-tune, polish
  

  Example:
  Refine one's style of writing.
  

  source: wordnet30
• make more complex, intricate, or richer (verb.change)

  Synonym: complicate, elaborate, rarify
  

  Example:
  Refine a design or pattern.
  

  source: wordnet30
• treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition (verb.change)

  Example:
  Refine paper stock.
  Refine pig iron.
  Refine oil.
  

  source: wordnet30
• reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities (verb.change)

  Synonym: rectify
  

  Example:
  Refine sugar.
  

  source: wordnet30
• attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying (verb.change)

  Example:
  Many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet.
  

  source: wordnet30
• make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of (verb.change)

  Example:
  Refine a method of analysis.
  Refine the constant in the equation.
  

  source: wordnet30
• To reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from impurities; to free from dross or alloy; to separate from extraneous matter; to purify; to defecate; as, to refine gold or silver; to refine iron; to refine wine or sugar. (verb)

  source: webster1913
• To become pure; to be cleared of feculent matter. (verb)

  source: webster1913

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