I. ˈskim verb
( 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
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : a thin layer, coating, or film
2. : the act of skimming
3. : something skimmed ; specifically : skim milk
III. adjective
Date: 1794
1. : having the cream removed by skimming
2. : made of skim milk
skim cheese