scrim

American  

[skrim] / skrɪm /

noun

1. a cotton or linen fabric of open weave used for bunting, curtains, etc.

2. Theater. a piece of such fabric used as a drop, border, or the like, for creating the illusion of a solid wall or backdrop under certain lighting conditions or creating a semitransparent curtain when lit from behind.

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scrim British  

/ skrɪm /

noun

1. an open-weave muslin or hessian fabric, used in upholstery, lining, building, and in the theatre to create the illusion of a solid wall or to suggest haziness, etc, according to the lighting

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Etymology

Origin of scrim

First recorded in 1785–95; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

When the scrim is illuminated, the golden notes appear to be suspended like stars in the sky.

From Los Angeles Times

Scene 2, a scrim projection informs us, takes place eight years later, moving us back into the time frame of the original libretto.

From The Wall Street Journal

The latter song featured a big surprise: actor Dakota Johnson spoke from behind a scrim as the titular character and then appeared next to Allen when the song ended.

From Los Angeles Times

A scrim will cover the huge window itself so that no one outside can peer in to see who’s bidding.

From The Wall Street Journal

His protection was a thin scrim of hotel security and rent-a-cops hired for crowd control.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• scenery