scan

scan (skan)

transitive verb scanned, scan′·ning

to analyze (verse) in terms of its rhythmic components, as by counting accents and syllables and marking the metrical feet
to look at closely or in a broad, searching way; scrutinize
☆ to glance at quickly; consider hastily
to examine, identify, or interpret (printed characters, video images, bar codes, etc.): said of an electronic device
Comput. to examine (items in a file) in sequence in order to find those that meet a particular criterion
Med. to examine the structure or condition of an internal body organ with ultrasound, tomography, etc.
Electronics to traverse (a region) with a succession of transmitted radar beams, usually radiated in a systematic pattern
TV to traverse (a surface) rapidly and point by point with a beam of light or electrons in transmitting or reproducing the lights and shades of an image

Etymology: ME scannen < L scandere, to climb, mount (in LL, to scan): see descend

intransitive verb

noun

Scan

To analyze
investigate, study, inquire into; see examine 1.
To glance at
browse, thumb over, consider; see browse, look 2. See syn. study at examine.

Object

microscopy: Image was acquired using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy.
microscope: Surfaces exposed to acidic soft drinks were compared with control surfaces under a scanning electron microscope.
micrograph: A colour-enhanced, scanning electron micrograph of the lining of the upper vagina.
calorimetry: Microstructures were studied using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC ) and transmission electron microscopy ( TEM ).
horizon: There are those of course who are happy to stand at the railings, even scan the horizon.
image: For example, we have agreed a license for the use of the scanned images in teaching at the Institute.

Converse of object

compute: Each course was repeated every 21 days. Response was assessed by extramural review of computed tomography scans.

Adjective modifier

tomographic: Chest X-ray films and computed tomographic scans disclosed left pleural effusion and diffuse pleural thickening.
progressive: Q: What is required to display progressive scan DVD?
quick: You can choose to do a quick scan for low accuracy conversions, ideal for getting an idea across.
facial: In its enrollment trial last summer, the Passport Service captured iris scans, fingerprints, and facial scans.

Noun used with modifier

ultrasound: Ultrasound Ultrasound scans are a way of producing pictures of inside the body using sound waves.
iris: Both retina and iris scans are currently being used in government and corporate security systems around the world.
brain: Brain scans of patients with schizophrenia showed a 5 to 10 per cent loss of brain tissue, especially in the left temporal lobes.
bone: The only way to be forewarned of this problem is to have occasional bone scans.

Used with why or when

which: During the ten days Callum was in hospital he was given an EEG scan which showed he was in seizure all the time.

Present participle complement

tunnel: We now play with atoms at our will in scanning tunneling microscopes linked to immersive virtual reality systems.

Preposition: of

abdomen: A CT scan of the abdomen was performed ( Figure 3 ).

Preposition: for

virus: Virus & SPAM protection All incoming and outgoing emails are scanned for viruses and SPAM email.
microchip: In addition to implanting microchips, veterinary surgeons can help to reunite lost, strayed or stolen pets through scanning for the microchips.

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