■ verb sə'veɪ
1》 look carefully and thoroughly at.
2》 examine and record the area and features of (an area of land) so as to construct a map, plan, or description.
3》 Brit. examine and report on the condition of (a building), especially for a prospective buyer.
4》 conduct a ~ among (a group of people).
■ noun 'sə:veɪ
1》 a general view, examination, or description.
↘an investigation of the opinions or experience of a group of people, based on a series of questions.
2》 an act of ~ing.
3》 a map, plan, or report obtained by ~ing.
Origin
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. surveier , from med. L. supervidere , from super- 'over' + videre 'to see'.