¹scan

verb \ˈskan\

: to look at (something) carefully usually in order to find someone or something

: to look over or read (something) quickly

: to look at the inside of (something) by using a special machine

scannedscan·ning

Full Definition of SCAN

transitive verb

: to read or mark so as to show metrical structure <scan poetry>

: 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>

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

: to scan verse

: to conform to a metrical pattern <this poem scans well>

— scan·na·ble \ˈska-nə-bəl\ adjective

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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

Synonym Discussion of SCAN

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over. scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail <scrutinized the hospital bill>. scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation <scanned the wine list>. inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects <inspected my credentials>. examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing <examined the specimens>.