refine
(verb)
verb
1. improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
- refine one's style of writing
Definition categories: change, ameliorate, amend, better, improve, meliorate
2. make more complex, intricate, or richer
- refine a design or pattern
Similar word(s): complicate, elaborate, rarify
Definition categories: change, alter, modify
3. treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
- refine paper stock
- refine pig iron
- refine oil
Definition categories: change, process, treat
4. reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
- refine sugar
Similar word(s): rectify
Definition categories: change, distill, purify, sublimate
5. attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or intensity by polishing or purifying
- many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet
Definition categories: change, attenuate
6. make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of
- refine a method of analysis
- refine the constant in the equation
Definition categories: change, alter, modify
Sentences with refine as a verb:
- to refine gold or silver;
- to refine the manners, the language, the style, the taste, the intellect, or the moral feelings