refinement

noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about refinement at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

1. A highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality.

   they performed with great polish

2. The result of improving something.

   he described a refinement of this technique

3. The process of removing impurities (as from oil or metals or sugar etc.).