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

Eric Rohmer handled these same issues with discrimination and refinement in The Tree, The Mayor and the Mediatheque without sentimentalizing political trends like the climate-change panic here. —Armond White, National Review, 8 May 2024

According to Forbes, China has cornered the rare-earth market largely because of its willingness to engage in rare-earth mining and refinement despite the process’s environmentally destructive nature. —Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 8 May 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