scrim

fabric

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Scrim is a durable, plain-woven fabric, often made of cotton. It is used in various applications, including clothing, curtains, and in building and industry.1

In theater, scrim refers to a special type of drop that can change its appearance. When the scene in front of it is lit, it looks opaque. However, if the scene behind it is lit, the scrim becomes transparent or translucent. The term "scrim" can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that resembles this theatrical effect.1

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gauze
…used for flags and decorations; scrim, made of cotton and used for curtains; and tobacco cloth, used as shade covering for tobacco plants. The main differences between them are in the finishing (for example, cheesecloth that is bleached and stiffened may be called scrim) and in the quality of the…
Read More
…used for flags and decorations; scrim, made of cotton and used for curtains; and tobacco cloth, used as shade covering for tobacco plants. The main differences between them are in the finishing (for example, cheesecloth that is bleached and stiffened may be called scrim) and in the quality of the…
Read More