Skim Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
Britannica Dictionary definition of SKIM
1
[+ object]
:
to remove a layer of something from the surface of a liquid
-
I skimmed the fat from the broth. = I skimmed the broth to remove the fat.
-
He skimmed the leaves from the pool.
-
The cream is skimmed from the milk.
-
The milk is skimmed before it is bottled.
— see also skim milk
2
:
to look over or read (something) quickly especially to find the main ideas
[+ object]
-
She only skimmed the reading assignment.
[no object]
-
She only skimmed through/over the reading assignment.
3
[+ object]
British
:
to throw (a flat stone) along the surface of water so that it bounces
-
He is really good at skimming [=(US) skipping] stones.
4
:
to move quickly or lightly along, above, or near the surface of something
[no object]
-
The ducks skimmed across/over the water before landing.
[+ object]
-
The ducks skimmed the surface of the pond before landing.
skim off (something)
or
skim (something) off
:
to take (something valuable) for yourself out of something else
-
He skimmed off some of the profits.