ENGLISH
REFERENCE

scan

v. · n.
US //ˈskæn// UK //skˈæn// scan
  1. 1 to look quickly for information (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to look through a text or an area quickly to find a specific piece of information.

    to glance over or through a text or space hastily in order to locate specific data or features.

    Example

    I scanned the list of names to see if I had passed the test.

    Example

    She scanned the horizon for any sign of the approaching vessel, her eyes moving rapidly across the break in the waves.
  2. 2 to examine carefully (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to look at something very closely and carefully to check every part.

    to examine a person, object, or situation minutely and systematically.

    Example

    The security guard scanned the crowd for any suspicious behavior.

    Example

    The customs officer scanned the passenger's face, looking for the subtle signs of nervousness that might suggest a false declaration.
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  1. 3 to make a digital copy (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to use a machine to turn a paper document or photo into a computer file.

    to convert a physical document or image into digital data using an optical scanner.

    Example

    Can you scan these receipts and email them to the office?

    Example

    The archivist scanned the fragile manuscripts at a high resolution to ensure that every detail was preserved for the digital library.
  2. 4 to follow a rhythm (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Literary Theatre

    to have a regular rhythm or beat, usually in a poem.

    to conform to a specific metrical structure or to analyse the metre of a verse.

    Example

    This line of the poem doesn't scan properly because it has too many syllables.

    Example

    The professor asked the students to scan the sonnet, marking the stressed and unstressed syllables to identify the iambic pentameter.
  3. 5 a medical image (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    a picture of the inside of your body made by a special machine in a hospital.

    a diagnostic image produced by a scanner, such as an MRI, CT, or ultrasound.

    Example

    The doctor sent her for a brain scan to check the cause of her headaches.

    Example

    The MRI scan revealed a minor ligament tear that had been missed by the initial physical examination.
  4. 6 a quick look (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a quick look over something to get a general idea.

    an act of glancing through or over something to identify key points or specific items.

    Example

    A quick scan of the headlines told him all he needed to know.

    Example

    After a brief scan of the executive summary, the director requested a more detailed breakdown of the projected costs.

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