Definitions for: Scan


[n] the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region; "he made a thorough scan of the beach with his binoculars"
[v] obtain data from magnetic tapes; "This dictionary can be read by the computer"
[v] glance over or read superficially
[v] read metrically; "scan verses"
[v] make a wide, sweeping search of; "The beams scanned the night sky"
[v] move a light beam over; in electronics, to reproduce an image
[v] examine hastily
[v] examine minutely or intensely
[v] conform to a metrical pattern; of poetic verse



Webster (1913) Definition: Scan (sk[a^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scanned (sk[a^]nd);
p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning.] [L. scandere, scansum, to climb,
to scan, akin to Skr. skand to spring, leap: cf. F. scander.
Cf. Ascend, Descend, Scale a ladder.]
1. To mount by steps; to go through with step by step. [Obs.]

Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand.
--Spenser.



2. Specifically (Pros.), to go through with, as a verse,
marking and distinguishing the feet of which it is
composed; to show, in reading, the metrical structure of;
to recite metrically.

3. To go over and examine point by point; to examine with
care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize.

The actions of men in high stations are all
conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted.
--Atterbury.

Synonyms: glance over, rake, read, run down, skim

See Also: conform, construe, declaim, displace, examination, examine, glass, interpret, misread, move, recite, scrutiny, search, see, see

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals begin with j
i letter animals
animals starting with j