Collins English-English Dictionary

skim [skɪm]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to remove floating material from the surface of (a liquid), as with a spoon

   to skim milk

2. 2. vt. to glide smoothly or lightly over (a surface)

3. 3. vt. [tr] to throw (something) in a path over a surface, so as to bounce or ricochet

   to skim stones over water

4. 4. vt. [when intr, usually foll by through] to read (a book) in a superficial or cursory manner

5. 5. vt. to cover (a liquid) with a thin layer or (of liquid) to become coated in this way, as with ice, scum, etc

6. 6. n the act or process of skimming

7. 7. n material skimmed off a liquid, esp off milk

8. 8. n the liquid left after skimming

9. 9. n any thin layer covering a surface

10. 10. n See also skim off

11. 11. n [Etymology] C15 skimmen, probably from scumen to skim; see scum