probe

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

   there was a congressional probe into the scandal

2. 2
   verb

   examine physically with or as if with a probe

   probe an anthill

3. 3
   noun

   Something which penetrates something else, as though to explore; something which obtains information.

   Silverberg also gives the reader reader some excellent character insight; deep probes into the minds of all the principals bring the reader closer to the persons involved than might be thought possible with the plot so far removed from the realm of normality.

4. 4
   noun

   An investigation or inquiry.

   They launched a probe into the cause of the accident.

5. 5
   noun

   A small device, especially an electrode, used to explore, investigate or measure something by penetrating or being placed in it.

   Insert the probe into the soil and read the temperature.

6. 6
   verb

   To explore, investigate, question, test, or prove.

   If you probe further, you may discover different reasons.

7. 7
   noun

   an exploratory action or expedition

8. 8
   noun

   a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities

Etymology

For verb: borrowed from Latin probare (“to test, examine, prove”), from probus (“good”). Doublet of prove. For noun: borrowed from Late Latin proba (“a proof”), from probare (“to test, examine, prove”); Doublet of proof. Compare Spanish tienta (“a surgeon's probe”), from tentar (“try, test”); see tempt.