Word
refining
Phoneticsre·fin·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹəˈfaɪnɪŋ/
UK/ɹɪfˈaɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
01industrial purification
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the industrial process of cleaning a raw material, such as oil or sugar, to make it ready for use.
n. the industrial process of removing impurities from a raw substance, such as petroleum, metal, or sugar, to produce a finished product.
“The refining of crude oil into petrol takes place at large plants near the coast.”
“Environmental regulations have forced significant changes in the refining of precious metals to reduce toxic waste runoff.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in industrial contexts.
Synonyms
02improving an idea or skill
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of making small changes to something to make it better or more exact.
n. the process of improving a theory, method, or skill by making fine adjustments or removing flaws.
“After months of refining, the new software was finally ready for the public.”
“The constant refining of his technique allowed the pianist to perform the difficult concerto with effortless precision.”
Usage
Frequently appears as a gerund acting as a noun.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Oil production in the Gulf has recovered somewhat since the US went to war with Iran but diesel refining in the area has not, Dhar wrote.” “Most of that is oil which will be shipped to Europe for refining before being sold on the open market.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/refining