• noun:   the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste

  Example: "A man of intellectual refinement"

• noun:   the result of improving something

  Example: "He described a refinement of this technique"

• noun:   the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
• noun:   a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality

  Example: "I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose"

• noun:   a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

Related words...