trim

Meanings

Verb

  • To reduce slightly; to cut; especially, to remove excess.
  • To decorate or adorn; especially of a Christmas tree.
  • To adjust the positions of control surfaces, sometimes using trim tabs, so as to modify or eliminate the aircraft's tendency to pitch, roll, or yaw when the cockpit controls are released.
  • To modify the angle relative to the water by shifting cargo or ballast; to adjust for sailing; to assume, or cause to assume a certain position, or trim, in the water.
  • To modify the angle (of the sails) relative to the wind, especially to set them at the most advantageous angle.
  • To balance; to fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favour each.
  • To make trim; to put in due order for any purpose; to make right, neat, or pleasing; to adjust.
  • To dress; to make smooth.
  • To rebuke; to reprove.
  • To beat or thrash.
  • To cut back the wick of (a lamp) to maintain a clean, bright flame.
  • To change the carbon rods of (an arc lamp).

Noun

  • Decoration; especially, decoration placed along edges or borders.
  • A haircut, especially a moderate one to touch up an existing style.
  • Dress; gear; ornaments.
  • The manner in which something is equipped or adorned; order; disposition.
  • The state of adjustment of control surfaces such that the desired attitude can be maintained without requiring the continuous application of force to the cockpit controls.
  • The mechanism(s) used to trim an aircraft in roll, pitch, and/or yaw.
  • Sexual intercourse.
  • The fore-and-aft angle of the vessel to the water, with reference to the cargo and ballast; the manner in which a vessel floats on the water, whether on an even keel or down by the head or stern.
  • The arrangement of the sails with reference to the wind.

Adjective

Adverb

  • In good order; properly managed or maintained.
  • With sails well trimmed.

Origin

  • From Middle English trimen, trymen, trumen, from Old English trymman, from Proto-Germanic *trumjanÄ…, from Proto-Germanic *trumaz.

Modern English dictionary

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