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.
Derivatives:
probeable adj. prober n. probingly adv.
Etymology: LL proba proof, in med.L examination, f. L probare test