reforming

American  

[ri-fawr-ming] / rɪˌfɔr mɪŋ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• antireforming adjective
• unreforming adjective

Etymology

Origin of reforming

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

Example Sentences

There has been discussion of reforming post-2008 liquidity rules that give incentives for banks to hold reserves while setting up programs to ensure that banks would have access to emergency funds when they are needed.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

He’s placing considerable influence in the defense industry space, alongside many others who understand how far behind we are in reforming our military’s procurement process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The Department for Education said it was working to "improve outcomes for white working-class children" and "radically reforming" school funding.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The Met, which is currently being reinspected under a new review chaired by Dr Gillian Fairfield, has said it is making "good progress" in reforming the force's culture and standards.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Building his campaign around reforming the city’s political system and better tending to its neglected neighborhoods, Washington won the election by a hair.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama