refine

Verb
  1. Improve or perfect by pruning or polishing (synset 200474948)
    "refine one's style of writing"
    is a type of: ameliorate, amend, better, improve, meliorate - to make better
    subtypes:
    same as: down, fine-tune, polish
  2. Make more complex, intricate, or richer (synset 200401789)
    "refine a design or pattern"
    is a type of: alter, change, modify - cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
    subtypes:
    • involve - make complex or intricate or complicated
    • develop - elaborate by the unfolding of a musical idea and by the working out of the rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme
    • sophisticate - make more complex or refined
    same as: complicate, elaborate, rarify
  3. Treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition (synset 200475693)
    "refine paper stock"; "refine pig iron"; "refine oil"
    is a type of: process, treat - subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
  4. Reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state;
    Separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities (synset 200475423)
    "refine sugar"
    is a type of: distill, make pure, purify, sublimate - remove impurities from, increase the concentration of, and separate through the process of distillation
    same as: rectify
  5. Attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or intensity by polishing or purifying (synset 200402812)
    "many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet"
    is a type of: attenuate - become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
  6. Make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of (synset 200402594)
    "refine a method of analysis"; "refine the constant in the equation"
    is a type of: alter, change, modify - cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

Other Searches