Scrim
/skrɪm/noun
A lightweight, loosely woven fabric used for curtains, stage effects, or backing material.
Did you know?In theater, scrim works like a visual spell: when lit from the front it can look opaque, but when lit from behind it turns nearly transparent.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
scrym
“A thin, coarse cloth or covering”
17th Century
English
scrim
“A light, loosely woven fabric or gauzy material”
18th Century
English
scrimshaw
“Decorative carving on whale ivory; later associated by sound only, not etymology”
Modern English
English
scrim
“Light fabric used in theater, photography, and upholstery”