1. (noun) polish, refinement, culture, cultivation, finish
a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
"they performed with great polish"; "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"; "almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art"--Joseph Conrad
2. (noun) refinement, elaboration
the result of improving something
"he described a refinement of this technique"
3. (noun) refining, refinement, purification
the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
4. (noun) nuance, nicety, shade, subtlety, refinement
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
"without understanding the finer nuances you can't enjoy the humor"; "don't argue about shades of meaning"
5. (noun) refinement, civilization, civilisation
the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
"a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization"
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