~ 1
■ noun
1》 the extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant: these complex matters are beyond the ~ of this book.
2》 the opportunity or possibility for doing something.
↘ archaic a purpose or intention.
3》 Nautical the length of cable extended when a ship rides at anchor.
Origin
C16 (in the sense 'target for shooting at'): from Ital. scopo 'aim', from Gk skopos 'target'.
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~ 2
■ noun informal a tele~, micro~, or other device having a name ending in -~ .
■ verb N. Amer. informal look at carefully; scan.
↘assess; weigh up.