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refine

Dictionary definition · refine

verb

  1. improve or perfect by pruning or polishing"refine one's style of writing"
  2. make more complex, intricate, or richer"refine a design or pattern"
  3. treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition"refine paper stock"
  4. reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities"refine sugar"
  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"
  6. make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of"refine a method of analysis"

Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).