WordWeb Online

1. A highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
   "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"
   - polish, culture, cultivation, finish, finesse
    
2. The result of improving something
   "he described a refinement of this technique"
   - elaboration
    
3. The process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
   - refining, purification
    
4. A subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
   - nuance, nicety, shade, subtlety
    
5. The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
   "a man of intellectual refinement"
   - civilization, civilisation [Brit]

Derived forms: refinements

See also: refine

Type of: advance, betterment, excellence, flawlessness, import, improvement, meaning, ne plus ultra, perfection, processing, significance, signification

Encyclopedia: Refinement