n. & v.
n. 1 a penetrating investigation. 2 any small device, esp. an electrode, for measuring, testing, etc. 3 a blunt-ended surgical instrument usu. of metal for exploring a wound etc. 4 (in full space probe) an unmanned exploratory spacecraft transmitting information about its environment.
v.tr. 1 examine or enquire into closely. 2 explore (a wound or part of the body) with a probe. 3 penetrate with a sharp instrument. probeable adj. prober n. probingly adv.
[ LL proba proof, in med.L = examination, f. L probare test ]