■ noun
1》 a blunt-ended surgical instrument for exploring a wound or part of the body.
↘a small measuring or testing device, especially an electrode.
2》 an investigation into a crime or other matter.
3》 (also space ~ ) an unmanned exploratory spacecraft.
4》 a projecting device on an aircraft for in-flight refuelling or on a spacecraft for docking with another craft.
■ verb
1》 physically explore or examine.
2》 enquire into closely.
Derivatives
~r noun
probing adjective
probingly adverb
Origin
ME (asnoun): from late L. proba 'proof' (in med. L. 'examination'), from L. probare 'to test'.