What does skim mean?
The word 'skim' has two main senses: to remove the surface of a liquid or to remove the top layer of something, and a thin layer of something, especially a layer of fat or a layer of liquid. The verb 'skim' can also be used to describe the act of quickly reading or glancing over something, often without paying close attention. The noun 'skim' can also refer to a thin layer of material, such as a skim of paint or a skim of varnish. The word 'skim' comes from the Old English word 'scīman', which means 'to scrape' or 'to remove the surface of something'. This word is also related to the Old Norse word 'skjama', which means 'to scrape' or 'to remove the surface of something'. The word 'skim' is commonly used in both British and American English, and its plural form is 'skims'.
to remove the surface of a liquid, especially by passing a spoon or other object through it, or to remove the top layer of something, such as a surface or a substance.
"She skimmed the cream off the top of the milk."
The verb 'skim' can also be used to describe the act of quickly reading or glancing over something, often without paying close attention.
a thin layer of something, especially a layer of fat or a layer of liquid, or a surface that is smooth and even.
"The skim on the surface of the water was so thin that it was almost invisible."
The noun 'skim' can also refer to a thin layer of material, such as a skim of paint or a skim of varnish.
The plural form 'skims' is used to describe multiple instances of the verb or noun.
"She skimmed the cream off the top of the milk and then skimmed the butter off the top of the cream."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of skim
The word 'skim' comes from the Old English word 'scīman', which means 'to scrape' or 'to remove the surface of something'. This word is also related to the Old Norse word 'skjama', which means 'to scrape' or 'to remove the surface of something'.
Usage notes
The verb 'skim' can also be used to describe the act of quickly reading or glancing over something, often without paying close attention. The noun 'skim' can also refer to a thin layer of material, such as a skim of paint or a skim of varnish.