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search [ surch ]


verb  (past and past participle searched, present participle search·ing, 3rd person present singular search·es)
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb examine something thoroughly: to look into, over, or through something carefully in order to find somebody or something
searched his pockets for some change
searching through the pile of papers on the desk

2. transitive verb examine somebody for concealed items: to examine the clothing, personal effects, or body of somebody in order to discover something such as weapons or illegal drugs that have been deliberately concealed

3. transitive verb discover something by examination: to discover, come to know, or find something by examination
searched out the relevant file

4. transitive verb comput examine computer file: to examine a computer file, disk, database, or network for information



noun  (plural search·es)
Definition:
 
1. thorough examination: a careful and thorough examination in order to find somebody or something

2. comput examination of computer file: the examination of a computer file, disk, database, or network in order to find information

3. international law act of boarding ship to search: the act of boarding a ship in accordance with international law in order to search it, especially during wartime

[14th century. Via Anglo-Norman sercher, Old French cerchier "explore" < Latin circare "go around in circles" < circus "circle"]

search·a·ble adjective
search·er noun

search me used for emphasizing your lack of knowledge about something (informal)

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