Scan

/skæn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A quick examination or survey.

After a quick scan of the room, he realized he was alone.

The act of scanning, usually in reference to a medical imaging procedure.

The MRI scan indicated that there were no injuries.

verb

To look at something quickly in order to find specific information.

She scanned the newspaper for any news about the upcoming election.

To examine something closely or to analyze it carefully.

The doctor scanned the X-ray for any signs of fractures.

To convert an image or document into a digital format.

I need to scan this document and email it to you.

From Latin 'scanare', meaning 'to climb, leap, or scan.'

scan for

to search for something specific in a broader context

scan through

to examine quickly without focusing on details

body scan

a medical imaging procedure to assess health

scanning

the act of reviewing or monitoring something, often systematically

scanner

a device used for scanning images or documents

to quickly check or peruse something

I just scanned my texts before deciding to respond.

to look over someone or something in a judgmental manner

She scanned the room to see who was there before deciding to join.