1. A highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
   "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose";
   - polish, finish, finesse
    
2. The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
   "a man of intellectual refinement";
   - civilization, civilisation [Brit]
    
3. The result of improving something
   "he described a refinement of this technique";
   - elaboration
    
4. The process of removing impurities (as from oil, metals or sugar etc.)
   "Oil refinement is necessary to produce usable petroleum products";
   - refining, purification
    
5. A subtle difference in meaning, opinion or attitude
   "without understanding the finer refinements you can't enjoy the humour";
   - nuance, nicety, shade, subtlety

Derived forms: refinements

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

Encyclopedia: Refinement