- Scanning
- Scan 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.]
[1913 Webster]
Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand. --Spenser. [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
3. To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize. [1913 Webster]
The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted. --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]
4. To examine quickly, from point to point, in search of something specific; as, to scan an article for mention of a particular person. [PJC]
5. (Electronics) To form an image or an electronic representation of, by passing a beam of light or electrons over, and detecting and recording the reflected or transmitted signal. [PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
