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Definition of refinement noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

refinement

noun
 
/rɪˈfaɪnmənt/
 
/rɪˈfaɪnmənt/
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  1. [countable] a small change to something that improves it synonym enhancement
    • This particular model has a further refinement.
    • all the refinements of modern technology
    Extra Examples
    • It is possible to add a few useful refinements to the basic system.
    • a refinement in the masonry
    • to add a further refinement to the computer system
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • considerable
    • great
    • extra
    • …
    … of refinement
    • degree
    • level
    verb + refinement
    • need
    • require
    • add
    • …
    preposition
    • refinement in
    • refinement on
    • refinement to
    • …
    See full entry
  2. [countable, uncountable] a thing that is an improvement on an earlier, similar thing; the quality of being improved in this way
    • refinement of something The new plan is a refinement of the one before.
    • The kite was star-shaped and lacked the refinement of current designs.
    • refinement on something a refinement on previous methods
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • considerable
    • great
    • extra
    • …
    … of refinement
    • degree
    • level
    verb + refinement
    • need
    • require
    • add
    • …
    preposition
    • refinement in
    • refinement on
    • refinement to
    • …
    See full entry
  3. [uncountable] the process of improving something or of making something pure
    • the refinement of industrial techniques
    • the refinement of uranium
    Extra Examples
    • the progressive refinement of their accounting technique
    • The technology requires a great deal of refinement.
    • a lack of refinement in engine design
    • All programs have bugs and need endless refinement.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • considerable
    • great
    • extra
    • …
    … of refinement
    • degree
    • level
    verb + refinement
    • need
    • require
    • add
    • …
    preposition
    • refinement in
    • refinement on
    • refinement to
    • …
    See full entry
  4. [uncountable] the quality of being polite and well educated and able to judge the quality of things; the state of having the sort of manners that are considered typical of a high social class synonym gentility
    • a person of considerable refinement
    • an atmosphere of refinement
    • a woman of great refinement and beauty
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • great
    verb + refinement
    • lack
    preposition
    • refinement in
    phrases
    • a lack of refinement
    See full entry
    5. Word Originearly 17th cent.: from refine + -ment, influenced by French raffinement.
See refinement in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee refinement in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
Check pronunciation: refinement

Nearby words

alloy
noun
 
 
From the Topic
Physics and chemistry
C2
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