'Refinement' definitions:

Definition of 'refinement'

From: WordNet
noun
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 [syn: polish, refinement, culture, cultivation, finish]
noun
The result of improving something; "he described a refinement of this technique" [syn: refinement, elaboration]
noun
The process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.) [syn: refining, refinement, purification]
noun
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" [syn: nuance, nicety, shade, subtlety, refinement]
noun
The quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste; "a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization" [syn: refinement, civilization, civilisation]

Definition of 'Refinement'

From: GCIDE
  • Refinement \Re*fine"ment\ (r?*f?n"ment), n. [Cf. F. raffinement.]
  • 1. The act of refining, or the state of being refined; as, the refinement or metals; refinement of ideas. [1913 Webster]
  • The more bodies are of kin to spirit in subtilty and refinement, the more diffusive are they. --Norris. [1913 Webster]
  • From the civil war to this time, I doubt whether the corruptions in our language have not equaled its refinements. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. That which is refined, elaborated, or polished to excess; an affected subtilty; as, refinements of logic. "The refinements of irregular cunning." --Rogers. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Purification; polish; politeness; gentility; elegance; cultivation; civilization. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'refinement'

From: Moby Thesaurus