- skim
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/skim/, v., skimmed, skimming, n.v.t.1. to take up or remove (floating matter) from the surface of a liquid, as with a spoon or ladle: to skim the cream from milk.2. to clear (liquid) thus: to skim milk.3. to move or glide lightly over or along (a surface, as of water): The sailboat skimmed the lake.4. to throw in a smooth, gliding path over or near a surface, or so as to bounce or ricochet along a surface: to skim a stone across the lake.5. to read, study, consider, treat, etc., in a superficial or cursory manner.6. to cover, as a liquid, with a thin film or layer: Ice skimmed the lake at night.7. to take the best or most available parts or items from: Bargain hunters skimmed the flea markets early in the morning.8. to take (the best or most available parts or items) from something: The real bargains had been skimmed by early shoppers.10. Slang.a. to conceal a portion of (winnings, earnings, etc.) in order to avoid paying income taxes, commissions, or the like on the actual total revenue (sometimes fol. by off): The casino skimmed two million a year.b. to take, remove, or appropriate for illegal use: to skim information from another's credit card.v.i.11. to pass or glide lightly over or near a surface.12. to read, study, consider, etc., something in a superficial or cursory way.13. to become covered with a thin film or layer.14. Slang. to conceal gambling or other profits so as to avoid paying taxes, etc.; practice skimming.n.15. an act or instance of skimming.16. something that is skimmed off.17. a thin layer or film formed on the surface of something, esp. a liquid, as the coagulated protein material formed on boiled milk.18. a thin layer, as of mortar.19. Slang. the amount taken or concealed by skimming.20. See skim milk.21. Obs. scum.[1375-1425; late ME skymen, skemen, var. of scumen to skim; see SCUM]Syn. 5. scan. 12. glance.
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Universalium. 2010.