First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1skim
verb \ˈskim\
: to remove a layer of something from the surface of a liquid
: to look over or read (something) quickly especially to find the main ideas
: to throw (a flat stone) along the surface of water so that it bounces
skimmedskim·ming
Full Definition of SKIM
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
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See skim defined for kids
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Origin of SKIM
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
2skim
noun
Definition of SKIM
1
: a thin layer, coating, or film
2
: the act of skimming
First Known Use of SKIM
14th century
3skim
adjective
Definition of SKIM
1
: having the cream removed by skimming
2
: made of skim milk <skim cheese>
First Known Use of SKIM
1794
SKIMMED Defined for Kids
skim
verb \ˈskim\
skimmedskim·ming
Definition of SKIM for Kids
1
: to clean a liquid of scum or floating substance : remove (as cream or film) from the top part of a liquid
2
: to read or examine quickly and not thoroughly <I skimmed the newspaper.>
3
: to skip (a stone) along the surface of water
4
: to pass swiftly or lightly over <He brushed the treetops / And skimmed the grass … — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends>
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