First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
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 scan defined for English-language learners
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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
Related to SCAN
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>.
2scan
noun
Definition 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
See scan defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SCAN
1706
Related to SCAN
- Synonyms
- audit, check, checkup, examination, going-over, look-see, review, inspection, scrutiny, survey, view
SCAN[1] Defined for Kids
scan
verb \ˈskan\
scannedscan·ning
Definition of SCAN for Kids
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.>
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