to examine something carefully, with the aim of detecting some feature or information, to make a digital copy of an image or document using a scanner

full-body scan, scan through, scan for

Formal and Informal Expressions of scan

In different contexts, you can replace 'scan' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'examine, inspect, scrutinize' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'check out, give a once-over' is a commonplace synonym.

scan: Explore its Definition & Usage

scan Definition

1to examine something carefully, with the aim of detecting some feature or information
2to make a digital copy of an image or document using a scanner

Using scan: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scan" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The doctor scanned my brain to check for any abnormalities.
Example
I scanned the article quickly to see if it was relevant to my research.
Example
She scanned the document and sent it to me via email.

scan Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for scan

Antonyms for scan

Phrases with scan

full-body scan
a medical imaging technique that produces a detailed image of the entire body, used to detect diseases or abnormalities
Example
The doctor ordered a full-body scan to check for any signs of cancer.
scan through
to quickly look through something without examining it in detail
Example
I scanned through the report to get a general idea of its contents.
scan for
to search for something specific using a scanner or other device
Example
The security guard scanned the bags for any prohibited items.

Origins of scan

from Old Norse 'skanna', meaning 'to scan'

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Summary: scan in Brief

The verb 'scan' [skæn] means to examine something carefully to detect features or information or to make a digital copy of an image or document using a scanner. It is often used in medical contexts, as in 'The doctor scanned my brain to check for any abnormalities,' and in digital contexts, as in 'She scanned the document and sent it to me via email.' 'Scan' can be used in phrases like 'full-body scan,' 'scan through,' and 'scan for,' which denote different ways of examining or searching through something.