skim
UK[skɪm]US[skɪm]
v
to remove a substance that is floating on the surface of a liquid
v
to move quickly and lightly over a surface, or to make something do this
v
to read something quickly in order to understand the main points or to find a particular piece of information
Etymology
the verb 'skim' entered middle english from old norse, likely derived from the word 'skemma', meaning 'to shorten' or 'to skim'. this norse root is related to the old english 'scimian', meaning 'to shine', suggesting a conceptual link between a gliding motion and a shiny, smooth surface. the core idea evolved from the physical act of removing a top layer—like cream from milk—to any quick, superficial contact or review. thus, the modern meanings of moving lightly over a surface and reading hastily both stem from this original notion of touching only the topmost part.
Analysis
the word 'skim' is a simplex word of scandinavian origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, identifiable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
skim the fat off the surface of the soup before serving.
the swallows skimmed low over the surface of the lake.
i only had time to skim through the report before the meeting.