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