transitive verb scanned, scanning scan′·ning

1. to analyze (verse) in terms of its rhythmic components, as by counting accents and syllables and marking the metrical feet
2. to look at closely or in a broad, searching way; scrutinize
3. ☆ to glance at quickly; consider hastily
4. to examine, identify, or interpret (printed characters, video images, bar codes, etc.): said of an electronic device
5. Comput. to examine (items in a file) in sequence in order to find those that meet a particular criterion
6. Med. to examine the structure or condition of an internal body organ with ultrasound, tomography, etc.
7. Electronics to traverse (a region) with a succession of transmitted radar beams, usually radiated in a systematic pattern
8. 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

1. to scan verse
2. to conform to metrical principles: said of poetry

noun

1. the act or an instance of scanning
2. scope of vision