scan
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1scan
verb \ˈskan\scannedscan·ning
Definition of SCAN
transitive verb
1
: to read or mark so as to show metrical structure <scan poetry>
2
: to examine by point-by-point observation or checking: a : to investigate thoroughly by checking point by point and often repeatedly <a fire lookout scanning the hills with binoculars> b : to glance from point to point of often hastily, casually, or in search of a particular item <scan the want ads looking for a job>
3
a : to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage <scanned the patient's heart> <radar scans the horizon> <scan the photos into the computer> b : to pass over in the formation of an image <the electron beam scans the picture tube>
intransitive verb
1
: to scan verse
2
: to conform to a metrical pattern <this poem scans well>
— scan·na·ble \ˈska-nə-bəl\ adjective
See Examples of SCAN
- He scanned the field with binoculars.
- He scanned the audience looking for his parents.
- She scanned his face for any clue to what he was thinking.
- She quickly scanned the pages of the newspaper.
- She scanned through the list to find her name.
- Their bags were scanned at the airport.
- This machine scans a patient's brain.
Origin of SCAN
Middle English scannen, from Late Latin scandere, from Latin, to climb; akin to Middle Irish sceinnid he springs, Sanskrit skandati he leaps
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to SCAN
- Synonyms
- audit, check (out), con, examine, overlook, oversee, review, inspect, scrutinize, survey, view
See Synonym Discussion at scrutinize
2scan
nounDefinition of SCAN
1
: the act or process of scanning
2
: a radar or television trace
3
: an image formed by scanning something: as a : a depiction (as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ) b : an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections
Examples of SCAN
- The patient underwent a brain scan.
- The doctor examined the bone scans.
First Known Use of SCAN
1706
Related to SCAN
- Synonyms
- audit, check, checkup, examination, going-over, look-see, review, inspection, scrutiny, survey, view
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