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Webster 1913 Edition

Refinement

Re-fine′ment

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

Webster 1828 Edition

Refinement

REFI'NEMENT

, n.
1.
The act of purifying by separating from a substance all extraneous matter; a clearing from dross, dregs or recrement; as the refinement of metals or liquors.
2.
The state of being pure.
The more bodies are of a kin to spirit in subtilty and refinement, the more diffusive are they.
3.
Polish of language; elegance; purity.
From the civil war to this time, I doubt whether the corruptions in our language have not equaled its refinements.
4.
Polish of manners; elegance; nice observance of the civilities of social intercourse and of graceful decorum. Refinement of manners is often found in persons of corrupt morals.
5.
Purity of taste; nice perception of beauty and propriety in literature and the arts.
6.
Purity of mind and morals; nice perception and observance of rectitude in moral principles and practice.
7.
Purity of heart; the state of the heart purified from sensual and evil affections. This refinement is the effect of christian principles.
8.
Artificial practice; subtilty; as the refinements of cunning.
9.
Affectation of nicety, or of elegant improvement; as the refinements of reasoning or philosophy.

Definition 2024

refinement

refinement

English

Noun

refinement ‎(countable and uncountable, plural refinements)

  1. The act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material
  2. High-class style; cultivation.
  3. A fine or subtle distinction.

Translations

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