refining

(noun) the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.). Synonyms: refinement, purification.

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

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

(verb) treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition. Synonyms: refine. 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: refine, rectify. Example: "Refine sugar."

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

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