Definition of refine
refined
;refining
transitive verb
1 : to free (something, such 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 uncouth
intransitive verb
1 : to become pure or perfected
2 : to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
refiner
nounExplore M-W
Examples of refine in a Sentence
The inventor of the machine spent years refining the design.
The class is meant to help you refine your writing style.
Recent Examples of refine from the Web
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After refining his invention, Johnson spent most of the 80s unsuccessfully trying to find a manufacturer to get his water gun into the hands of children.
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A number of trustees had questions and suggestions leading to the likelihood the ordinance will be refined.
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Growing up in Piscataway, Jenkins never had the chance to attend the pro camps that many young athletes use to refine their game.
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The optional plug-in hybrid model is similarly refined and provides fuel-saving electric-only operation in addition to the Pacifica’s solid all-around road manners.
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Paramount has refined its approach in China since its last Transformers film, which featured Chinese actors like Li Bingbing, with significant scenes shot in China and Chinese product placement.
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The chef, for the last year, is Chris Curren, whose refined-rusticity style has served him well at such previous restaurants as Blue 13, Homestead on the Roof and Seven Lions.
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The app is slated for a re-release in mid-July, after Arthur shelved it temporarily to refine how users interact with it.
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The Equinox is not as refined as the Honda CR-V or as glitzy as the Rogue.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of refine
1582
REFINE Defined for English Language Learners
refine
playDefinition of refine for English Language Learners
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: to remove the unwanted substances in (something)
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: to improve (something) by making small changes
REFINE Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
refine
playMedical Definition of refine
refined
;refining
: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
Learn More about refine
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See words that rhyme with refine Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for refine Spanish Central: Translation of refine Nglish: Translation of refine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of refine for Arabic speakers
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