Main Entry: ¹skim

Pronunciation: \ˈskim\

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

Date: 14th century

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