improve or perfect by pruning or polishing

make more complex, intricate, or richer

treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition

reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities

attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying

make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

freed from impurities by processing

showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience

suggesting taste, ease, and wealth

free from what is tawdry or unbecoming

a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative

a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

the result of improving something

the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)

a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste

one whose work is to refine a specific thing

an industrial plant for purifying a crude substance