Nearby Words
Synonyms

probes

[prohb] Origin

probe

[prohb] verb, probed, prob·ing, noun
verb (used with object)
1.
to search into or examine thoroughly; question closely: to probe one's conscience.
2.
to examine or explore with a probe.
verb (used without object)
3.
to examine or explore with or as if with a probe.

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Probes is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
noun
4.
the act of probing.
5.
a slender surgical instrument for exploring the depth or direction of a wound, sinus, or the like.
6.
an investigation, especially by a legislative committee, of suspected illegal activity.
7.
Aerospace. space probe.
8.
a projecting, pipelike device on a receiving aircraft used to make connection with and receive fuel from a tanker aircraft during refueling in flight.
EXPAND
9.
a device, attached by cord to an oven, that can be inserted into roasts or other food so that the oven shuts off when the desired internal temperature of the food is reached.
10.
Biology. any identifiable substance that is used to detect, isolate, or identify another substance, as a labeled strand of DNA that hybridizes with its complementary RNA or a monoclonal antibody that combines with a specific protein.
COLLAPSE

Origin:
1555–65; (noun) < Medieval Latin proba examination, Late Latin: test, derivative of probāre (see prove); (v.) partly derivative of the noun, partly < Latin probāre. See proof

probe·a·ble, adjective
prob·er, noun
re·probe, verb, -probed, -prob·ing.
un·probed, adjective


1. investigate, scrutinize.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

probe
1580, "instrument for exploring wounds, etc.," from M.L. proba "examination," in L.L. "test, proof," from L. probare (see prove). Meaning "act of probing" is 1890, from the verb; fig. sense of "penetrating investigation" is from 1903. Meaning "small, unmanned exploratory craft"
EXPAND
is attested from 1953. The verb is first recorded 1649 (originally figurative; "to search thoroughly, interrogate"), from the noun.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

probe (prōb)
n.
A slender flexible surgical instrument with a blunt bulbous tip, used to explore a wound or body cavity. v. probed, prob·ing, probes
To explore a wound or body cavity with a probe.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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