hone

Universal Words verb [VN] ~ sth (to sth) 1 to develop and improve sth, especially a skill, over a period of time: His body was honed to perfection. * She honed her debating skills at college. * It was a finely honed piece of writing. 2 to make a blade sharp or sharper SYNSHARPEN: The knife had been honed to razor sharpness. * The hook should be honed to a needle-sharp point.