refine
[ ri-fahyn ]
/ rɪˈfaɪn /
verb (used with object), re·fined, re·fin·ing.
verb (used without object), re·fined, re·fin·ing.
Verb Phrases
refine on/upon,
to improve by inserting finer distinctions, superior elements, etc.: to refine on one's previous work.
OTHER WORDS FROM refine
Words nearby refine
referred sensation,
reffo,
refill,
refinance,
refinancing,
refine,
refined,
refinement,
refiner,
refinery,
refinish
Example sentences from the Web for refine
British Dictionary definitions for refine
refine
/ (rɪˈfaɪn) /
verb
to make or become free from impurities, sediment, or other foreign matter; purify
(tr)
to separate (a mixture) into pure constituents, as in an oil refinery
to make or become free from coarse characteristics; make or become elegant or polished
(tr often foll by out)
to remove (something impure or extraneous)
(intr ; often foll by on or upon)
to enlarge or improve (upon) by making subtle or fine distinctions
(tr)
to make (language) more subtle or polished
Derived forms of refine
refinable, adjectiveWord Origin for refine
C16: from
re- +
fine
1
Medical definitions for refine
refine
[ rĭ-fīn′ ]
v.
To reduce to a pure state; purify.