Definition of the word skimmer

The word "skimmer" has been in use for almost four centuries to describe a type of bird that feeds by skimming the surface of water to catch prey. The origin of this word can be traced back to the Middle English "scomere," which means "one who skims," and was used to describe fishermen who skimmed the surface of the water to catch small fish in nets. Over time, the term "skimmer" came to specifically refer to a type of bird, including herons, egrets, and ibises. These birds have long, thin beaks and necks that allow them to reach down into the water and capture small aquatic animals like fish, insects, and tadpoles. The use of the word "skimmer" to describe these birds has become so ingrained in everyday language that it's often used to refer to other objects that skim the surface of water, such as boats or aerial vehicles. However, its origins can still be traced back to that original meaning of a bird that skims the water's edge in search of food.