Skim
/skɪm/noun
To remove a thin layer from the surface of a liquid or to move lightly over something.
Did you know?The exact origin is uncertain, but English *skim* is likely tied to Scandinavian forms meaning to skim or scum the surface, and its older sense was all about removing the top layer of liquid.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse / Scandinavian
ON
skuma / skima
“to flash, shine, or skim over the surface”
Middle English
English
skimmen
“to remove the scum or top layer from a liquid”
15th Century
English
skymme / skimme
“to clear off the surface; to pass lightly over”
Modern English
English
skim
“to remove a surface layer or read/move over something quickly and lightly”