Main Entry: re·fine

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈfīn\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): re·fined; re·fin·ing

Date: 1582

transitive verb 1 : to free (as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
2 : to free from moral imperfection : elevate
3 : to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing <refine a poetic style>
4 : to reduce in vigor or intensity
5 : to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouthintransitive verb 1 : to become pure or perfected
2 : to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions

— re·fin·er noun