Dictionary definition · refine
verb
- improve or perfect by pruning or polishing"refine one's style of writing"
- make more complex, intricate, or richer"refine a design or pattern"
- treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition"refine paper stock"
- reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities"refine sugar"
- 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"
- make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of"refine a method of analysis"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).