trim

verb (trims, trimming, trimmed)

1》 make (something) neat by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts.

    ↘cut off (irregular or unwanted parts).

    ↘reduce the size, amount, or number of.

2》 decorate (something), especially along its edges.

3》 adjust (a sail) to take advantage of the wind.

    ↘adjust the balance of (a ship or aircraft) by rearranging its cargo or using its controls.

4》 adapt one's views to the prevailing political trends for personal advancement.

5》 informal, dated get the better of; cheat.

6》 informal, dated rebuke angrily.

noun

1》 additional decoration, especially along the edges.

    ↘the upholstery or interior lining of a car.

2》 an act of trimming.

3》 the state of being in good order.

4》 the degree to which an aircraft can be maintained at a constant altitude.

5》 the way in which a ship floats in the water, especially in relation to the fore-and-aft line.

adjective (trimmer, trimmest)

1》 neat and smart; in good order.

2》 slim and fit.

Phrases

in trim

1》 slim and fit.

2》 Nautical in good order.

trim one's sails (to the wind) make changes to suit one's new circumstances.

Derivatives

trimly adverb

trimness noun

Origin

OE trymman, trymian 'make firm, arrange'.