scan

1 of 2

verb

scanned; scanning

transitive verb

1
: to read or mark so as to show metrical structure
scan poetry
2
: to examine by point-by-point observation or checking:
a
: to investigate thoroughly by checking point by point and often repeatedly
a fire lookout scanning the hills with binoculars
b
: to glance from point to point of often hastily, casually, or in search of a particular item
scan the want ads looking for a job
3
a
: to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage
scanned the patient's heart
radar scans the horizon
scan the photos into the computer
b
: to pass over in the formation of an image
the electron beam scans the picture tube

intransitive verb

1
: to scan verse
2
: to conform to a metrical pattern
this poem scans well
scannable adjective

scan

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act or process of scanning
2
: a radar or television trace
3
: an image formed by scanning something: such as
a
: a depiction (such as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (such as a bodily organ)
b
: an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections
Choose the Right Synonym for scan

scrutinize, scan, inspect, examine mean to look at or over.

scrutinize stresses close attention to minute detail.

scrutinized the hospital bill

scan implies a surveying from point to point often suggesting a cursory overall observation.

scanned the wine list

inspect implies scrutinizing for errors or defects.

inspected my credentials

examine suggests a scrutiny in order to determine the nature, condition, or quality of a thing.

examined the specimens

Examples of scan in a Sentence

Verb He scanned the field with binoculars. He scanned the audience looking for his parents. She scanned his face for any clue to what he was thinking. She quickly scanned the pages of the newspaper. She scanned through the list to find her name. Their bags were scanned at the airport. This machine scans a patient's brain. Noun The patient underwent a brain scan. The doctor examined the bone scans.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Other topics that are extremely narrow or rare would have less chance of being scanned and incorporated into generic generative AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 When polls close on Election Day, sooner in some states, election workers will begin tabulating early and mail-in ballots and in-person votes, usually on scanning machines. Barton Gellman, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
The scans captured the cities down to the centimeter, which allowed researchers to build detailed 3D models. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 In addition, the initial scan of public databases can take up to 48 hours. PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scan 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English scannen, from Late Latin scandere, from Latin, to climb; akin to Middle Irish sceinnid he springs, Sanskrit skandati he leaps

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scan was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scan

Cite this Entry

“Scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scan. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scan

1 of 2 verb
scanned; scanning
1
: to read or mark verses so as to show stress and rhythm
scan poetry
2
a
: to examine thoroughly
scanned their faces for signs of anger
b
: to make a wide sweeping search of
scanning the field with binoculars
c
: to look through or over hastily
scanned the headlines
d
: to examine systematically (as by passing a beam of radiation over or through) in order to obtain data especially for display or storage
scanned the patient's heart
scan the photos into the computer
3
: to move across in successive lines to form an image on a cathode-ray tube
the electron beam scans the face of the picture tube

scan

2 of 2 noun
1
: the act or process of scanning
2
: an image formed by scanning something: as
a
: a picture of the distribution of radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ)
b
: a picture of part of the body made (as by a computer) by combining separate pictures taken from different angles or of different sections

Medical Definition

scan

1 of 2 verb
scanned; scanning

transitive verb

1
a
: to examine especially systematically with a sensing device (as a photometer or a beam of radiation)
b
: to pass an electron beam over and convert (an image) into variations of electrical properties (as voltage) that convey information electronically
2
: to make a scan of (as the human body) in order to detect the presence or localization of radioactive material

intransitive verb

: to make a scan of the body or of an organ or part

scan

2 of 2 noun
1
: the act or process of scanning
2
a
: a depiction (as a photograph) of the distribution of a radioactive material in something (as a bodily organ)
b
: an image of a bodily part produced (as by computer) by combining ultrasonographic or radiographic data obtained from several angles or sections

More from Merriam-Webster on scan

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