Definition of skim
skimmed;
skimming
transitive verb
1 a
:to clear (a liquid) of scum or floating substance
- skim boiling syrup
b
:to remove (a film, a layer of scum, etc.) 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 (something, such 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 (money, such 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
