Origin: Latin suffix -ment
Refinement has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
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"
the result of improving something
"he described a refinement of this technique"
the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
"The factory's latest refinement process removed all contaminants from the crude oil before it was shipped to refineries."
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"
the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
"a man of intellectual refinement"
"he is remembered for his generosity and civilization"
The act, or the result of refining; the removal of impurities, or a purified material
"The refinery's latest batch of copper arrived as a gleaming refinement free from any trace of sulfur."