to make something pure or improve something, especially by removing unwanted material

Crude oil is industrially refined to purify it and separate out the different elements, such as benzene. 原油经过工业提炼来提纯并且分离出诸如苯之类的不同元素。

to improve an idea, method, system, etc. by making small changes

Engineers spent many months refining the software. 工程师们花了数月来完善这个软件。