scan
Third Person
scans
Present Participle
scanning
Past Tense
scanned
Past Participle
scanned
1
to examine something or someone very carefully and thoroughly
transitive
- The auditor scans the financial records to detect any discrepancies.
- The security guard will scan the bags of passengers before they enter the airport.
- The scientist will scan the images from the microscope to analyze the cellular structure.
- The detective scans the crime scene for any clues that may help solve the case.
- The teacher scans the classroom to ensure all students are paying attention.
2
to quickly read a document or other text without paying attention to details, only to find the information one needs
transitive
- She scans the newspaper headlines to catch up on current events.
- Right now, I am scanning the document for key points.
- The researcher is scanning the articles to gather relevant data.
- Last night, I scanned the book to locate the relevant chapter.
Synonyms:
3
(of a medical device) to take a picture of a body part often using X-rays for detailed examinations by a specialist
transitive
- The technician scanned the woman's abdomen to monitor the growth of the fetus.
- The radiologist scanned the patient's spine to look for signs of injury or degeneration.
- The ultrasound technician scanned the pregnant woman's belly to monitor the health of the fetus.
- The specialist scanned the patient's entire body to look for any signs of cancerous growths.
- The doctor scanned the patient's chest to check for any abnormalities in the lungs.
4
to read or input data using an electronic device, such as a scanner or barcode reader
transitive
- She scanned the QR code with her smartphone to access additional information.
- The librarian scanned the book's barcode to check it out to the patron.
- She scanned the ticket at the entrance gate to gain admission to the event.
- The cashier scanned each item at the grocery store checkout.
- He scanned the product's serial number to register it for warranty purposes.
Synonyms:
5
to analyze or evaluate verse to ensure it adheres to metrical principles
transitive
- The poet scanned each line of his poem to ensure it maintained the desired iambic pentameter.
- She carefully scanned her sonnet to ensure that each stanza followed the established rhyme scheme.
- The student scanned the poem aloud to determine if it flowed smoothly and rhythmically.
- He scanned the lyrics of the song to identify the stressed and unstressed syllables in each line.
- She scanned the sonnet for any irregularities in meter that might disrupt its overall flow.
6
to cause a beam or similar source of light to move across a surface or object
transitive
- The technician scanned the laser beam across the circuit board to detect any defects.
- The security guard scanned the flashlight across the dark alley to search for intruders.
- The barcode scanner scanned the laser beam across the product label to read the barcode.
- The engineer scanned the ultrasonic beam over the metal surface to detect any cracks or flaws.
- The dentist scanned the X-ray beam across the patient's jaw to examine for any abnormalities.
7
(of a poem) to adhere to established metrical principles
- The sonnet scans perfectly in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of five iambs.
- Despite its irregular rhyme scheme, the poem scans flawlessly.
- The ballad scans smoothly, with alternating lines of tetrameter and trimeter creating a rhythmic pattern.
- The ode scans elegantly, with its stately meter reflecting the gravity of the subject matter.
- The haiku scans naturally, with its seventeen syllables divided into three lines of five, seven, and five syllables respectively.
8
(of a computer program) to examine applications or digital files in order to detect any viruses or malware
transitive
- The antivirus software scanned the entire hard drive for any signs of malicious software.
- He scanned the downloaded files before opening them to ensure they were free from viruses.
- The IT department regularly scans employees' computers for potential security threats.
- The security program scanned the email attachments for any suspicious files.
- She scanned the USB drive before inserting it into her computer to prevent malware infection.
9
to create a digital form of a picture or a document to store, edit, or view it on a computer
transitive
- She scanned the old family photos to preserve them digitally.
- He scanned the contract and emailed it to his lawyer for review.
- The office assistant scanned the receipts and invoices to keep track of expenses.
- The librarian scanned the pages of rare manuscripts to make them accessible online.
- They scanned the handwritten notes and converted them into editable text.