Skim has multiple meanings, but it generally refers to moving quickly just above a surface without touching it. Here are some of the most common definitions of skim:
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To remove floating matter from the surface of a liquid: This can be done with a spoon or ladle, and is often used to remove cream from milk.
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To read or examine superficially and rapidly: Skimming involves looking only for the general or main ideas of a text, and works best with non-fiction or factual material.
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To throw or pass something in a gliding path: For example, throwing a flat stone horizontally over water.
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To cover with a thin layer of film, scum, or coat: This can refer to plastering a wall or coating a surface with paint.
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To embezzle money: This usage is slang and refers to taking money from a source without permission.
In general, skimming involves quickly extracting the main ideas or essence of something without closely examining every detail. It can be a useful tool for reading or studying when time is limited, but it should be done intentionally and strategically to avoid missing important information.
