refinery
word
Definition
A refinery is a large industrial facility where raw materials, such as oil or sugar, are processed and made pure for commercial use.
Usage & Nuances
Refinery is most often used to describe places that process crude oil ('oil refinery'), but can apply to other materials like sugar. Usually refers to a large, industrial facility. Common collocations: 'oil refinery', 'sugar refinery', 'refinery workers'. Rare in casual conversation unless discussing industry or energy.
Example Sentences
The city has an oil refinery near the coast.
basic
Workers at the refinery must wear special safety gear.
basic
Sugar goes to a refinery before it is sold in stores.
basic
After the spill, the refinery tightened its environmental rules.
natural
There was talk of closing the old refinery, but it’s still running.
natural
His father spent thirty years working at the refinery.
natural