n.
    - the thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid which rises to the top when milk is left to stand. 
▸a sauce, soup, dessert, or other food containing cream or having the consistency of cream.
 - a thick liquid or semi-solid cosmetic or medical preparation.
 - the very best of a group of people or things:
 the cream of American society.
 - a very pale yellow or off-white colour.
 
v.
    - work (butter) to form a smooth soft paste. 
▸mash (a cooked vegetable) and mix with milk or cream.
 ▸add cream to (coffee).
 - 
(cream something off)
 take away the best part of a group of people or things.
 - rub a cosmetic cream into (the skin).
 - informal, chiefly N. Amer. defeat heavily. 
▸hit or beat.
 
 
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. cresme, from a blend of late L. cramum and eccles. L. chrisma (see chrism).