skim

4 entries found for skim.
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skim[1,verb] skim[2,noun] skim[3,adjective] skim milk

Main Entry: ¹skim
Pronunciation: 'skim
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): skimmed; skim·ming
Etymology: Middle English skymmen, skemen, probably from Anglo-French escumer, from escume foam, scum, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schum scum -- more at SCUM
transitive verb
1 a : to clear (a liquid) of scum or floating substance <skim boiling syrup> b : to remove (as film or scum) from the surface of a liquid c : to remove cream from by skimming d : to remove the best or most easily obtainable contents from
2 : to read, study, or examine superficially and rapidly; especially : to glance through (as a book) for the chief ideas or the plot
3 : to throw in a gliding path; especially : to throw so as to ricochet along the surface of water
4 : to cover with or as if with a film, scum, or coat
5 : to pass swiftly or lightly over
6 a : to remove or conceal (as a portion of casino profits) to avoid payment of taxes b : EMBEZZLE <skimming money from employee pension plans>
intransitive verb
1 a : to pass lightly or hastily : glide or skip along, above, or near a surface b : to give a cursory glance, consideration, or reading
2 : to become coated with a thin layer of film or scum
3 : to put on a finishing coat of plaster
4 : to embezzle money