1580s, of metals, c. 1590 of manners, from re-, intensive prefix, + obsolete fine (v.) "make fine," from fine (adj.) "delicate." Compare French raffiner, Italian raffinare, Spanish refinar. General and figurative sense is recorded from 1590s; of sugar, from 1610s. Related: Refined; refining.
实用例句
1. We shall have to refine on our methods of advertising.
我们得进一步改进做广告的方法.来自《简明英汉词典》
2. The purpose of oil refinery is to refine crude petroleum.
炼油厂的主要工作是提炼原油.来自《简明英汉词典》
3. Modern medical techniques refine on those of the past.
