trimmer

¹ American  

[trim-er] / ˈtrɪm ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that trims.

2. a tool or machine for trimming, clipping, paring, or pruning.

3. a machine for trimming lumber.

4. Building Trades.

   1. a joist or rafter supporting one of the ends of a header at the edge of a wellhole.

   2. a wall tile or floor tile for finishing an edge or angle.

5. an apparatus for stowing, arranging, or shifting cargo, coal, or the like.

6. a person who has no firm position, opinion, or policy, especially in politics.

7. a person who is committed to no particular political party, adapting to one side or another as expediency may dictate.

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trimmer ² American  

[trim-er] / ˈtrɪm ər /

adjective

1. comparative of trim.

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trimmer British  

/ ˈtrɪmə /

noun

1. Also called: trimmer joist.  a beam in a floor or roof structure attached to truncated joists in order to leave an opening for a staircase, chimney, etc

2. a machine for trimming timber

3. Also called: trimming capacitor.  electronics a variable capacitor of small capacitance used for making fine adjustments, etc

4. a person who alters his or her opinions on the grounds of expediency

5. a person who fits out motor vehicles

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Etymology

Origin of trimmer

First recorded in 1510–20; trim + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He encouraged residents to make their homes as fire-resistant as possible, getting out the weed trimmers, clearing roofs of leaves and digging under decks for dead vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times

When she refuses, Spears grabs the trimmer and clicks it on: “The extensions are hacked into lifeless scraps … the stray hairs curl on the floor like writhing snakes.”

From Los Angeles Times

Men with enormous beards that have never known the touch of a trimmer.

From Salon

Then use a hand pruner for small jobs or a string trimmer or hedge clipper for larger plantings.

From Seattle Times

For example, at Share Bristol - A Library of Things, instead of borrowing books you can borrow sanders, hedge trimmers and popcorn makers amongst other items you're unlikely to use everyday.

From BBC

Related Words

• mower