noun (n)

• a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality(noun.state)

  Example:
  I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose.
  

  Synonym:
  cultivation, culture, finish, polish
  

  source: wordnet30
• the result of improving something(noun.event)

  Example:
  He described a refinement of this technique.
  

  Synonym:
  elaboration
  

  source: wordnet30
• the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.)(noun.process)

  Synonym:
  purification, refining
  

  source: wordnet30
• a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  nicety, nuance, shade, subtlety
  

  source: wordnet30
• the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste(noun.attribute)

  Example:
  A man of intellectual refinement.
  

  Synonym:
  civilisation, civilization
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act of refining, or the state of being refined; as, the refinement or metals; refinement of ideas.(noun)

  source: webster1913