̈ɪrɪˈfɔ:m v. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr.
make or
become better by
the removal of faults
and errors. 2 tr.
abolish or
cure (an
abuse or malpractice). 3 tr. US
correct (a
legal document). 4 tr. Chem.
convert (a straight-chain hydrocarbon) by
catalytic reaction to a branched-chain
form for use as
petrol. --n. 1 the removal of faults or abuses,
esp. of a
moral or
political or
social kind. 2 an
improvement made or suggested. øReformed
Church a Church
that has accepted the principles of the
Reformation, esp. a Calvinist Church (as
distinct from Lutheran). Reform
Judaism a simplified and rationalized form of Judaism. reform school an
institution to
which young offenders are
sent to be reformed. øøreformable adj. [ME f. OF
reformer or L reformare (as
RE-, FORM)]