refine

(verb) improve or perfect by pruning or polishing. Synonyms: polish, fine-tune, down. Examples: "Refine one's style of writing."

(verb) make more complex, intricate, or richer. Synonyms: complicate, rarify, elaborate. Examples: "Refine a design or pattern."

(verb) treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition. Examples: "Refine paper stock." "Refine pig iron." "Refine oil."

(verb) reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities. Synonyms: rectify. Examples: "Refine sugar."

(verb) attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying. Examples: "Many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet."

(verb) make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of. Examples: "Refine a method of analysis." "Refine the constant in the equation."