- 1[countable] a small change to something that improves it This particular model has a further refinement. all the refinements of modern technology
- 2[countable] refinement of something a thing that is an improvement on an earlier, similar thing The new plan is a refinement of the one before.
- 3[uncountable] the process of improving something or of making something pure the refinement of industrial techniques the refinement of uranium
- 4[uncountable] the quality of being polite and well educated and able to judge the quality of things; the state of having the kind of manners that are considered typical of a high social class synonym gentility an atmosphere of refinement
Check pronunciation: refinement