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probe

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To probe is to explore or investigate something.

(verb)

An example of probe is when a scientists studies the origin of DNA.
An example of probe is when the police investigate a case to learn the identity of the criminal.

The definition of a probe is an investigation into something or a blunt surgical tool used for exploratory medical testing.

(noun)

An example of a probe is an investigation into who stole money from the petty cash jar.
An example of a probe is a probe used to perform a colonoscopy.

See probe in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a slender, blunt surgical instrument for exploring a wound or the like
the act of probing
a searching examination; specif.,
1. ☆ an investigation, as by a legislative committee, into corruption, etc.
2. an exploratory advance or patrol
☆ an instrumented spacecraft for exploring the upper atmosphere, space, or a celestial body in order to get information about the environment, physical properties, etc.
any of various devices, as a Pitot tube or electrode, inserted into an environment for measuring, testing, etc.

Origin: LL proba, proof (in ML, examination) < L probare, to test, prove < probus, good, proper < IE *probhwos (> Sans prabhúḥ, outstanding) < base *pro, forward + *bhū, to grow > be

transitive verb probed, probing

to explore (a wound, etc.) with a probe
to investigate or examine with great thoroughness

intransitive verb

to search; investigate

Related Forms:

prober noun

See probe in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An exploratory action, expedition, or device, especially one designed to investigate and obtain information on a remote or unknown region.
A slender, flexible surgical instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity.
Biology A substance, such as DNA, that is radioactively labeled or otherwise marked and used to detect or identify another substance in a sample.
The act of exploring or searching with or as if with a device or instrument.
An investigation into unfamiliar matters or questionable activities; a penetrating inquiry: a congressional probe into price fixing. See Synonyms at inquiry.
A space probe.