noun

cream

Translation

cream, the best part, lotion, a pale yellow-white color

I like strawberries and cream.

He uses a special cream for his skin.

The cream of the students went to Oxford.

The walls are painted cream.

((cream)) (as an uncountable noun for food) Would you like some cream with your coffee?

((a cream)) (as a countable noun for lotion) I bought a new face cream.

((the cream of sth.)) (the best part of a group) They are the cream of the crop.

Synonyms: lotion, ointment (for skin); elite, best (for people).

From Old French 'cresme', from Late Latin 'chrisma' (anointing oil), referring to the fatty part of milk that rises to the top.

Think of the rich, top layer of milk, which is the 'best' part. This connects the food and 'elite' meanings.