refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: a refined feature or method

b

: a highly refined distinction : subtlety

c

: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Synonyms

• advance
• advancement
• breakthrough
• enhancement
• improvement

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology

had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls

Recent Examples on the Web

That process could begin Thursday with the first round of the NFL draft, with further refinements coming in the final six rounds Friday and Saturday. —Adam Grosbard, Orange County Register, 23 Apr. 2024

Jaeger-LeCoultre, like so many other brands, was all about visual refinement for this year, and the storied builder of high complications was very much showing off its mechanical prowess by featuring the Duometre movements this year. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt 

1

: the action or process of refining

2

: the state of being refined : cultivation

3

a

: something that has been refined

refinements in dress and behavior

b

: something intended to improve or refine