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.
雙語例句
1. We shall have to refine on our methods of advertising.
我們得進一步改進做廣告的方法.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
2. The purpose of oil refinery is to refine crude petroleum.
煉油廠的主要工作是提煉原油.
來自《簡明英漢詞典》
3. Modern medical techniques refine on those of the past.