v. & n.
--v. (scanned, scanning)
1. tr. look at intently or quickly (scanned the horizon; rapidly scanned the speech for errors).
2 intr. (of a verse etc.) be metrically correct; be capable of being recited etc. metrically (this line doesn't scan).
3 tr. a examine all parts of (a surface etc.) to detect radioactivity etc. b cause (a particular region) to be traversed by a radar etc. beam.
4 tr. resolve (a picture) into its elements of light and shade in a prearranged pattern for the purposes esp. of television transmission.
5 tr. test the metre of (a line of verse etc.) by reading with the emphasis on its rhythm, or by examining the number of feet etc.
6 tr. a make a scan of (the body or part of it). b examine (a patient etc.) with a scanner.
--n.
1. the act or an instance of scanning.
2 an image obtained by scanning or with a scanner.
Derivatives:
scannable adj.
Etymology: ME f. L scandere climb: in LL scan verses (from the raising of one's foot in marking rhythm)