skim

 
Pronunciation: /skɪm/

verb (skims, skimming, skimmed)

  • 1 [with object] 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 the stock to the boil, then skim it to remove any foam
  • informal steal or embezzle (money), especially in small amounts over a period of time: she was skimming money from the household kitty
  • (often as noun skimming) fraudulently copy (credit or debit card details) with a card swipe or other device.
  • 2 [no object, with adverbial of direction] go or move quickly and lightly over or on a surface or through the air: he let his fingers skim across her shoulders
  • [with object] pass over (a surface), nearly or lightly touching it in the process: we stood on the bridge, watching swallows skimming the water
  • [with object] throw (a flat stone) low over an expanse of water so that it bounces on the surface several times: he bent to pick up a small pebble, skimming it across the glittering water
  • 3 [with object] read (something) quickly so as to note only the important points: he skimmed the report [no object]: she skimmed through the newspaper
  • (skim over) deal with or treat (a subject) briefly or superficially: she skimmed over her meeting with Roger—it had suddenly become rather difficult to speak of him

noun

  • 1a thin layer of a substance on the surface of a liquid: a skim of ice
  • 2an act of reading something quickly or superficially: a quick skim through the pamphlet

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'remove scum from (a liquid)'): back-formation from skimmer, or from Old French escumer, from escume 'scum, foam'