reformation - improvement (or an intended improvement) in the existing form or condition of institutions or practices etc.; intended to make a striking change for the better in social or political or religious affairs --1is a kind ofreconstruction; improvement, melioration --1has particulars: counterreformation
Reformation, Protestant Reformation - a religious movement of the 16th century that began as an attempt to reform the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in the creation of Protestant churches --2is a kind ofreligious movement