Scan /(skăn)/

Scan

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Scanned; p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning

  1. To mount by steps; to go through with step by step. [Obs.]
    Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand.
  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. (Pros.)
  3. To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize.
    The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted.
  4. To examine quickly, from point to point, in search of something specific; as, to scan an article for mention of a particular person.
  5. 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. (Electronics)