reforming

[ ri-fawr-ming ]

noun

1. Chemistry. the process of cracking low-octane petroleum fractions in order to increase the octane number.

Other Words From

• anti·re·forming adjective noun
• unre·forming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reforming¹

First recorded in 1920–25; reform + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Steam-methane reforming and other natural gas-based methods are called gray hydrogen.

From Popular-Science

The biggest blowback will be against the ‘reforming’ Kentucky senator, because Republicans back cops, period.

From The Daily Beast

Therefore, reforming this trade is part of a comprehensive strategy, including regional governance reforms, to help end the war.

From The Daily Beast

Enter a candidate like Bush, talking about the importance of a federal role in reforming education and immigration.

From The Daily Beast

When Francis was elected in March 2013, he made it clear that reforming the Vatican financial mess was a priority.

From The Daily Beast

The new Russian leadership was far more interested in embracing Western-style democratic capitalism than in reforming socialism.

From The Daily Beast

It was at this sitting that Charles V proposed the meeting of a general council for reforming the abuses of the church.

From Project Gutenberg

It was far less a question of reforming a Church than of winning indefinite liberty for man—which is the death of power.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, and just here, public sentiment ought to relieve the teacher by reforming itself.

From Project Gutenberg

Its tenant was apparently somewhat of a scandal and a stumbling-block to the reforming party.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, the only sure and legitimate way of reforming those evils which burden society is to prevent their acquiring any existence.

From Project Gutenberg