refinement
     n 1: 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 [syn: {polish},
           {culture}, {cultivation}, {finish}]
     2: the result of improving something; "he described a
        refinement of this technique" [syn: {elaboration}]
     3: the process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or
        sugar etc.) [syn: {refining}, {purification}]
     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" [syn: {nuance},
         {nicety}, {shade}, {subtlety}]
     5: the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste;
        "a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for
        his generosity and civilization" [syn: {civilization}, {civilisation}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0