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.
例文
1. We shall have to refine on our methods of advertising.
広告の作り方をさらに改善しなければなりません。
2.The purpose of oil refinery is to refine crude petroleum.
製油所の主な作業は原油の精製である。
3.Modern medical techniques refine on those of the past.