Dictionary.net

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

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 process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)

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 process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)

The act of refining, or the state of being refined; as, the refinement or metals; refinement of ideas.

That which is refined, elaborated, or polished to excess; an affected subtilty; as, refinements of logic.

The act of refining, or the state of being refined; as, the refinement or metals; refinement of ideas.

That which is refined, elaborated, or polished to excess; an affected subtilty; as, refinements of logic.

The act of making, or state or being, pure or free from coarseness; elegance; purity of taste, mind, or morals.

Act of refining; state of being refined; purity; elegance.

Delicacy; culture.

The act of refining.

A subtlety.

n. Act of purifying from dross or other feculent matter; state of being refined :—high culture : elegance; polish of manners; graceful courtesy; decorum; —polish of language; nicety of speech; purity in taste; delicate sense or perception , of beauty and propriety;—purity of mind and morals; —artificial practice; subtlety;—affectation of elegance; over-nicety.