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scrutiny

 - 4 dictionary results

scru⋅ti⋅ny

  [skroot-n-ee]
Use scrutiny in a Sentence
–noun, plural -nies.
1. a searching examination or investigation; minute inquiry.
2. surveillance; close and continuous watching or guarding.
3. a close and searching look.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME < L scrūtinium the action of searching, of scrutinizing, deriv. of scrūtārī to search

Synonyms:
1. See examination.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To scrutiny
scru·ti·ny   (skrōōt'n-ē)   
n.   pl. scru·ti·nies

  1. A close, careful examination or study.

  2. Close observation; surveillance.


[Middle English scrutinie, taking of a formal vote, from Latin scrūtinium, inquiry, search, from scrūtārī, to search, examine, from scrūta, trash.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

scrutiny 
1415, "a vote to choose someone to decide a question," from L.L. scrutinium "a search, inquiry," from L. scrutari "to examine, search" (as through trash), from scruta (pl.) "trash, rags." Meaning "close examination" first recorded 1604.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: scru·ti·ny
Pronunciation: 'skrüt-&n-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -nies
: searching study or inquiry; specifically : judicial investigation of the constitutionality of a statutory classification of persons under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution —see also INTERMEDIATE 2, STRICT SCRUTINY —compare RATIONAL BASIS TEST
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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