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| scan [ skan ] |
verb (past and past participle scanned, present participle scan·ning, 3rd person present singular scans) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb examine something in detail: to subject something to a thorough examination
 scanning the horizon
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2. transitive verb look through something quickly: to look through or read something quickly
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3. transitive verb medicine obtain image of body: to obtain an image of internal organs with any of various devices, especially in order to make a diagnosis without the need for exploratory surgery. See also MRI
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4. transitive verb comput examine something with beam of light: to direct a light-sensitive device over a surface in order to convert an image into digital or electronic form for further storage, retrieval, and transmission
 scanned the document
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5. transitive verb comput examine stored data: to make an automatic search of a computer storage medium such as a magnetic disk or tape for data in anticipation of retrieving that data
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6. transitive and intransitive verb electronics search area using radar: to search a region for something, e.g. aircraft, by systematically sweeping a radar or sonar beam across it
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7. intransitive verb literature conform to verse rules: to conform to the rules of meter
 That line doesn't scan.
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8. transitive verb literature analyze verse: to analyze verse according to the rules of meter
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noun (plural scans) |
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| Definition: |
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1. image of body: an image of an internal body part taken using a scanner
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2. brief perusal: a quick look at or through something
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3. act of scanning: the act or process of scanning something
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4. sweep of radar beam: a single sweep of a radar or sonar beam across a region
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| [14th century. < Latin scandere "climb, (in late Latin) scan a verse"] |
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 scan·na·ble adjective |
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