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refine definition

re·fine (ri fīn)

transitive verb refined -·fined′, refining -·fin′·ing

  1. to make fine or pure; free from impurities, dross, alloy, sediment, etc.; purify; clarify
  2. to free from imperfection, coarseness, crudeness, etc.; make more elegant or cultivated; impart polish to
  3. to make more subtle or precise

Etymology: re- + fine, v., based on Fr raffiner, to purify

intransitive verb

  1. to become fine or pure; become free from impurities, etc.
  2. to become more polished or elegant
  3. to use subtleties and fine distinctions in thinking or speaking

Related Forms:

refine Idioms

refine on

or refine upon
to improve, as by adding refinements

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