"refine" Definition

Definitions for the word "refine" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; to free from impurities; to free from dross or alloy; to separate from extraneous matter; to purify; to defecate; as, to refine gold or silver; to refine iron; to refine wine or sugar.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To purify from what is gross, coarse, vulgar, inelegant, low, and the like; to make elegant or exellent; to polish; as, to refine the manners, the language, the style, the taste, the intellect, or the moral feelings.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To become pure; to be cleared of feculent matter.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To improve in accuracy, delicacy, or excellence.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To affect nicety or subtilty in thought or language.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v.
(-ning) 1 free from impurities or defects. 2 make or become more polished, elegant, or cultured.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "refine" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "refine" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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