skim

To skim is to remove things from the surface of a liquid or to take money off the top.

(verb)

An example of skim is when you use a net to fish leaves out of the swimming pool.
An example of skim means that you steal money from the cash register when you are working.

To skim is to read over something quickly or to glance over something.

(verb)

An example of skim is when you just take a quick glance at your class notes.

See skim in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb skimmed, skimming

1. to clear (a liquid) of floating matter
2. to remove (floating matter) from a liquid
to coat or cover with a thin layer: a pond skimmed with ice
to look at hastily or carelessly; glance through (a book, etc.) without reading word for word
1. to glide or pass swiftly and lightly over
2. to throw so as to cause to bounce or ricochet swiftly and lightly: to skim a flat stone across a pond
Slang to refrain from reporting for tax purposes (a percentage of income, gambling gains, etc.)

Origin: ME skimen, prob. akin to scum

intransitive verb

to move along swiftly and lightly over a surface, through space, etc.; glide; sail
to make a rapid or careless examination, as of a book: usually with over or through
to become thinly coated, as with scum

noun

adjective

See skim in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb skimmed skimmed, skim·ming, skims

verb, transitive

a. To remove floating matter from (a liquid).
b. To remove (floating matter) from a liquid.
c. To take away the choicest or most readily attainable contents or parts from.
To coat or cover with or as if with a thin layer, as of scum.
a. To throw so as to bounce or slide: skimming stones on the pond.
b. To glide or pass quickly and lightly over or along (a surface). See Synonyms at brush¹.
To read or glance through (a book, for example) quickly or superficially.
Slang To fail to declare part of (certain income, such as winnings) to avoid tax payment.

verb, intransitive

To move or pass swiftly and lightly over or near a surface; glide.
To give a quick and superficial reading, scrutiny, or consideration; glance: skimmed through the newspaper.
To become coated with a thin layer.
Slang To fail to declare certain income to avoid tax payment.

noun