skimmer
UK[ˈskɪmə]US[ˈskɪmər]
n
A device or tool used for removing a substance from the surface of a liquid.
n
A flat, broad-brimmed straw hat.
n
A type of bird that feeds by flying low over water with its lower mandible skimming the surface to catch fish.
Morpheme Breakdown
skim
er
skim
to glide over
er
agent suffix
Etymology
The word 'skimmer' is a transparent English compound built from the verb 'skim' and the agent suffix '-er'. The verb 'skim' entered Middle English from Old French escumer, which meant 'to remove scum (écume)' from a liquid. This action inherently involves moving lightly across a surface. The agent suffix '-er', with deep roots in Proto-Germanic, is one of the most productive in English for creating nouns that denote an actor or tool. Therefore, a 'skimmer' is logically 'something that skims'. This core logic applies to all modern definitions, whether it is a kitchen utensil removing fat, a bird skimming water for food, or a hat with a broad, flat brim that seems to skim the head.
Analysis
Structure: skim (to glide over) + er (agent suffix)
- skim: A verb of Middle English origin, likely from Old French escumer (to remove scum), related to the concept of moving lightly over a surface.
- er: An English agentive suffix of Old English origin, used to form nouns denoting a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
Use a skimmer to remove the foam from the simmering broth.
She wore a classic skimmer and sunglasses to the garden party.
The black skimmer is a fascinating bird to watch at dusk along the coast.