verb / adjective
skim
To remove a small layer from the top.
She skims the foam off the soup with a spoon.
Etymology
Skim is associated with scum, the layer that forms on a liquid. The verb originally concerns removing that top layer and broadens to taking a thin surface portion.
More examples
- Skim off the fat before you serve the broth.
- I use skim milk in my coffee.
- The cashier was caught skimming small amounts from daily sales.
Forms
skim · skims · skimmed · skimming
skimmer noun — A utensil for removing material from liquids.