refining Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
   refinement; purification.
   
2. verb improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
   down; polish; fine-tune; refine.
   
   • refine one's style of writing
3. verb make more complex, intricate, or richer
   rarify; elaborate; complicate; refine.
   
   • refine a design or pattern
4. verb treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
   refine.
   
   • refine paper stock
   • refine pig iron
   • refine oil
5. verb reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
   refine; rectify.
   
   • refine sugar
6. verb attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying
   refine.
   
   • many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet
7. verb make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of
   refine.
   
   • refine a method of analysis
   • refine the constant in the equation

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