trim

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To reduce slightly

   To reduce slightly; to cut; especially, to remove excess.

   • He trimmed his beard before the interview.
   • The hedge needs to be trimmed.
   • Place the screen material in the frame, secure it in place, and trim the edges.
2. 2

   To decorate or adorn

   To decorate or adorn; especially of a Christmas tree.

   • They traditionally trim the tree on Christmas Eve.
   • A rotten building newly trimmed over.
   • I was trimmed in Madam Julia's gown.
3. 3

   To adjust the positions of control surfaces, sometimes using trim tabs, so as to modify…

   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.

4. ›+ 28 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To modify the angle relative to the water by shifting cargo or ballast

      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.

      • The captain made us trim the boat, and we got her to lie a little more evenly.
   2. 5

      To modify the angle (of the sails) relative to the wind, especially to set them at the…

      To modify the angle (of the sails) relative to the wind, especially to set them at the most advantageous angle.

   3. 6

      To balance

      To balance; to fluctuate between parties, so as to appear to favour each.

   4. 7

      To make trim

      To make trim; to put in due order for any purpose; to make right, neat, or pleasing; to adjust.

      • The hermit trimmed his little fire.
   5. 8

      To dress

      To dress; to make smooth.

   6. 9

      To rebuke

      To rebuke; to reprove.

   7. 10

      To beat or thrash.

   8. 11

      To cut back the wick of (a lamp) to maintain a clean, bright flame.

      • The lamp, or candle, which lights the binnacle, is placed in the cabin, of course the expence of one light is saved, and all the inconveniences of blowing out in a squally night, and likewise the trouble of trimming the lamp, are avoided.
   9. 12

      To change the carbon rods of (an arc lamp).

      • To trim an arc lamp, first remove the old carbons and carefully and thoroughly wipe the carbon rods, holders, &c. with a clean, dry rag. […] Having cleaned the rods, next wipe out the globe and get ready the fresh carbons.
   10. 13

       Decoration

       Decoration; especially, decoration placed along edges or borders.

       • Paint the house white with blue trim.
   11. 14

       A haircut, especially a moderate one to touch up an existing style.

       • I went to the hairdresser for a trim but came back nearly bald.
   12. 15

       Dress

       Dress; gear; ornaments.

       • seeing him just pass the window in his woodland trim
   13. 16

       The manner in which something is equipped or adorned

       The manner in which something is equipped or adorned; order; disposition.

       • to be in good trim
       • The measure and whole trim of comeliness
       • In addition to the numerous traction aspects of the unit's restoration, the team had to create a trim shop in the depot to re-upholster hundreds of seat components.
   14. 17

       The state of adjustment of control surfaces such that the desired attitude can be…

       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.

   15. 18

       The mechanism(s) used to trim an aircraft in roll, pitch, and/or yaw.

   16. 19

       The female genitalia.

   17. 20

       Sexual intercourse with a woman.

       • "Take me somewhere." His response lacked dignity, but in fairness to him I admit that I had left him little chance to be suave. He asked, "You mean, you’re going to give me some trim?"
   18. 21

       The fore-and-aft angle of the vessel to the water, with reference to the cargo and ballast

       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.

   19. 22

       The arrangement of the sails with reference to the wind.

   20. 23

       Any of the three cut edges of book pages, trimmed with a shear after binding.

   21. 24

       The horizontal position of an underwater water

   22. 25

       Physically fit.

       • He goes jogging every day to keep in trim.
   23. 26

       Slender, lean.

       • a trim figure
   24. 27

       Neat or smart in appearance.

       • a trim lawn
       • […]manhood is melted into curtsies, valour into compliment, and men are only turned into tongue, and trim ones too: he is now as valiant as Hercules that only tells a lie and swears it.
   25. 28

       In good order

       In good order; properly managed or maintained.

   26. 29

       With sails well trimmed.

   27. 30

       A surname.

   28. 31

       Acronym of trade-related investment measure.

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