The word cream comes from the Greek chriein, which means anoint," and which is also the root of Christ ("the anointed one"). The link between ancient ritual and rich food is oil, the substance used to anoint the chosen, and the defining element of cream. Cream is a form of milk in which the fat globules have become more concentrated than usual, whether by rising to the top in a bottle or spinning off from the heavier water phase in a centrifuge. There are several grades of cream marketed today, such as heavy cream and light screm. Also as a verb: To beat until soft, smooth, and fluffy, as for butter and sugar.