skim

views updated Jun 11 2018

skim / skim/ • v. (skimmed, skim·ming) 1. [tr.] remove (a substance) from the surface of a liquid: as the scum rises, skim it off. ∎  remove a substance from the surface of (a liquid): bring to the boil, then skim it to remove any foam. ∎ inf. steal or embezzle (money), esp. in small amounts over a period of time: she was skimming money from the household kitty. ∎  [often as n.] (skimming) fraudulently copy (credit or debit card details) with a card swipe or other device.2. go or move quickly and lightly over or on a surface or through the air: he let his fingers skim across her shoulders. ∎  [tr.] pass over (a surface), nearly or lightly touching it in the process: we stood on the bridge, watching swallows skimming the water. ∎  [tr.] throw (a flat stone) low over an expanse of water so that it bounces on the surface several times. ∎  [tr.] read (something) quickly or cursorily so as to note only the important points: he sat down and skimmed the report | [intr.] she skimmed through the newspaper. ∎  (skim over) deal with or treat (a subject) briefly or superficially.• n. 1. a thin layer of a substance on the surface of a liquid: a skim of ice.2. an act of reading something quickly or superficially: a quick skim through the pamphlet.

skim

views updated May 17 2018

skim clear (a liquid) of surface matter XV; move or act lightly over XVI. Back-formation f. skimmer vessel for skimming liquids (XIV), †skemour, †skymour (later with assim. of ending to -ER1) — OF. escumeure (mod. écumoire), f. escumer, f. escume SCUM.

skim

views updated Jun 08 2018

skim To remove fat from the surface of stock, gravy, stews, etc., or scum from jams, etc., while they are cooking.