scan

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

Examples of SCAN

1. He scanned the field with binoculars.
2. He scanned the audience looking for his parents.
3. She scanned his face for any clue to what he was thinking.
4. She quickly scanned the pages of the newspaper.
5. She scanned through the list to find her name.
6. Their bags were scanned at the airport.
7. 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

Related Words: notice, observe, watch; comb, peruse, pore (over); analyze, dissect, parse; delve (into), explore, investigate, plumb, probe, research, study; categorize, classify; pick over; reinspect, rereview, resurvey

Near Antonyms: skim; glance (at or over); miss, overlook

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See Synonym Discussion at scrutinize

Rhymes with SCAN

an, ban, bran, can, clan, Dan, fan, flan, Jan, Klan, man, pan, Pan, panne, plan, Shan, span, tan, van, Van