–verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing.Metallurgy.
to treat (ore) to make more suitable for smelting.
Origin: 1870–75, Americanism; < Sp benefici(ar) to benefit, profit from (especially mining or farming) (v. deriv. of beneficio < L beneficium;see benefice) + -ate1
[ben-uh-fish-ee-eyt] 
əˈfɪʃ