v. & n.
v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become better by the removal of faults and errors. 2 tr. abolish or cure (an abuse or malpractice). 3 tr. US correct (a legal document). 4 tr. Chem. convert (a straight-chain hydrocarbon) by catalytic reaction to a branched-chain form for use as petrol.
n. 1 the removal of faults or abuses, esp. of a moral or political or social kind. 2 an improvement made or suggested. Reformed Church a Church that has accepted the principles of the Reformation, esp. a Calvinist Church (as distinct from Lutheran). Reform Judaism a simplified and rationalized form of Judaism. reform school an institution to which young offenders are sent to be reformed. reformable adj.
[ ME f. OF reformer or L reformare (as RE-, FORM) ]