re ‧ fine ‧ ment AC /rɪˈfaɪnmənt/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ refinement , ↑ refinery ; verb : ↑ refine ; adjective : ↑ refined ≠ ↑ unrefined ]
1 . [countable] an improvement, usually a small one, to something:
The new model has a number of refinements.
2 . [countable] something which is an improved ↑ version of an existing product, system etc
refinement of
The new theory is a refinement of Corbin’s theory of personality development.
3 . [uncountable] the process of improving something:
Some further refinement is needed.
4 . [uncountable] the process of making a substance more pure:
sugar refinement
refinement of
the refinement of cocaine
5 . [uncountable] the quality of being polite and well-educated, in a way that is typical of someone from a high social class:
a woman of great refinement