Scan Definition

skăn
scanned, scanning, scans
verb
scanned, scanning, scans
To look at closely or in a broad, searching way; scrutinize.
Webster's New World
To glance at quickly; consider hastily.
Webster's New World
To search (stored data) automatically for specific data.
American Heritage
To examine, identify, or interpret (printed characters, video images, bar codes, etc.)
Webster's New World
To analyze (verse) in terms of its rhythmic components, as by counting accents and syllables and marking the metrical feet.
Webster's New World
noun
scans
The act or an instance of scanning.
Webster's New World
Scope of vision.
Webster's New World
The action or process of scanning a body or body part.
American Heritage Medicine
An image produced by scanning.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
abbreviation
Scandinavia.
Webster's New World
Scandinavian.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Scan

Noun

Singular:
scan
Plural:
scans

Origin of Scan

  • Middle English scanden, scannen to scan a verse from Latin scandere to climb, scan a verse skand- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle English scannen, for *scanden < Old French escandir (“to climb, scan"), from Latin scandō (“I climb").

    From Wiktionary

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