verb
refine
rih-FYN
verb
1
To remove impurities from a raw substance to make it purer.
"The plant refines crude oil into gasoline."
2
To improve something gradually by making small, careful adjustments.
"She refined her essay through several drafts."
"The team refined their approach after early testing."
How to Use Refine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo purify a raw material, or to gradually make an idea, skill, or process better.
Common pairings
refine oil
refine a technique
refine sugar
Word Forms
refined past tense, refines singular
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The plant _____ crude oil into gasoline.
Etymology
From re- plus fine, in the sense "to make fine or pure."