Definition of scan
scanned
;scanning
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 binocularsb : 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
3a : 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 computerb : 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
People Are Reading
Examples of scan in a Sentence
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 and Etymology of scan
Middle English scannen, from Late Latin scandere, from Latin, to climb; akin to Middle Irish sceinnid he springs, Sanskrit skandati he leaps
Synonym Discussion of scan
scan
Definition of scan
1 : the act or process of scanning
2 : a radar or television trace
3 : an image formed by scanning something: such asa : a depiction (such as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (such 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 in a Sentence
The patient underwent a brain scan.
The doctor examined the bone scans.
First Known Use of scan
1706
SCAN Defined for English Language Learners
scan
playDefinition of scan for English Language Learners
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: to look at (something) carefully usually in order to find someone or something
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: to look over or read (something) quickly
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: to look at the inside of (something) by using a special machine
SCAN Defined for Kids
scan
playDefinition of scan for Students
scanned
;scanning
1 : to examine or look over carefully He scanned the field with binoculars.
2 : to look through or over quickly I scanned the headlines of the newspaper.
3 : to examine with a special device (as a scanner) especially to obtain information My bag was scanned at the airport.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of scan
scanned
;scanning
1
transitive verb
a: to examine especially systematically with a sensing device (as a photometer or a beam of radiation)b: to pass an electron beam over and convert (an image) into variations of electrical properties (as voltage) that convey information electronically2: to make a scan of (as the human body) in order to detect the presence or localization of radioactive material
intransitive verb
: to make a scan of the body or of an organ or part
scan
Medical Definition of scan
1: the act or process of scanning
2a: 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 ultrasonographic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections
Learn More about scan
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See words that rhyme with scan Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scan Spanish Central: Translation of scan Nglish: Translation of scan for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scan for Arabic speakers
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