refinement in WordNet English dictionary

1. the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
   "a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization"
   refinement  civilization  civilisation 
   
2. 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
   polish  refinement  culture  cultivation  finish 
   
3. the result of improving something
   "he described a refinement of this technique"
   refinement  elaboration 
   
4. 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"
   nuance  nicety  shade  subtlety  refinement 
   
5. the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)
   refining  refinement  purification