2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Refine \Re*fine"\ (r?*f?n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Refined}
(-find"); p. pr & vb n. {Refining}.] [Pref. re- + fine to
make fine: cf F. raffiner.]
1. To reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from
impurities; to free from dross or alloy; to separate from
extraneous matter; to purify; to defecate; as to refine
gold or silver; to refine iron; to refine wine or sugar.
I will bring the third part through the fire, and
will refine them as silver is refined. --Zech. xiii.
9.
2. To purify from what is gross, coarse, vulgar, inelegant,
low and the like to make elegant or exellent; to polish;
as to refine the manners, the language, the style, the
taste, the intellect, or the moral feelings.
Love refines The thoughts, and heart enlarges.
--Milton.
Syn: To purify; clarify; polish; ennoble.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
refining
n : the process of removing impurities from oil or metals or
sugar [syn: {refinement}]
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