Scanner

/ˈskænər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A device that converts physical documents or images into digital form.
She used a scanner to digitize her important paperwork.
A device used for inspecting or searching, such as a metal detector or a barcode reader.
The security scanner at the airport detected the prohibited items in his bag.
A program or tool that searches for specific data or vulnerabilities within a system.
The antivirus scanner identified several malware threats on his computer.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'scan', which means to examine closely.

Common Phrases and Expressions

document scanner
A scanner specifically designed to digitize documents.
barcode scanner
A device that reads barcodes.
3D scanner
A device used to create digital representations of three-dimensional objects.

Related Words

scan
To examine closely or quickly in order to find something.
scanning
The action of examining something with an instrument or a method.

Slang Meanings

A person who scans social media for trends.
She's a scanner; she always knows what's trending online.
A software tool that checks for vulnerabilities.
We need to run a scanner to keep our system secure.