reforming

American

[ri-fawr-ming] / rɪˌfɔr mɪŋ /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

antireforming adjective
unreforming adjective

Etymology

Origin of reforming

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That is why Common Sense Media has long called for reforming the law to better protect our kids.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

He received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his environmental work and contributions to reforming local schooling in Ladakh.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

But if the party line is some version of reforming the relatively young agency, nobody told Rep. Seth Moulton.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

Prof Toseeb believes the solution is early identification of a child's needs, a preventative approach and reforming a "one size fits all" education system that "relies too much on academic attainment".

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

It was also a way of fooling the outside world into thinking that the government was reforming apartheid.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023