1.improve or perfect by pruning or polishing;
refine one's style of writing
2.make more complex, intricate, or richer;
refine a design or pattern
3.treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition;
refine paper stock
4.reduce to a fine, unmixed, or pure state; separate from extraneous matter or cleanse from impurities;
refine sugar
5.attenuate or reduce in vigor, strength, or validity by polishing or purifying;
many valuable nutrients are refined out of the foods in our modern diet
6.make more precise or increase the discriminatory powers of;
refine a method of analysis