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).