refine meaning and definition

REFINE verb

Definition of refine (verb)

1. improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
   • "refine one's style of writing"
   • synonyms: down, fine-tune, polish
2. make more complex, intricate, or richer
   • "refine a design or pattern"
   • synonyms: complicate, elaborate, rarify
3. treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
   • "refine paper stock"; "refine pig iron"; "refine oil"
4. reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities
   • "refine sugar"
   • synonyms: rectify
5. attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity 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"; "refine the constant in the equation"