[skim] vb skimmed ; skim.ming [ME skymmen] vt (14c) 1 a: to clear (a liquid) of scum or floating substance "~ 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; esp: to glance through (as a book) for the chief ideas or the plot
3: to throw in a gliding path; esp: 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: to remove or conceal (as a portion of casino profits) to avoid payment of taxes ~ vi 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
[2]skim n (14c) 1: a thin layer, coating, or film
2: the act of skimming
3: something skimmed; specif: skim milk [3]skim adj (1794) 1: having the cream removed by skimming
2: made of skim milk "~ cheese"