probe

[ prohb ]

verb (used with object)

, probed, prob·ing.

1. to search into or examine thoroughly; question closely:

   to probe one's conscience.

   Synonyms: scrutinize, investigate

2. to examine or explore with or as if with an instrument:

   The dentist probed the offending tooth.

   She keeps probing her ear with a cotton swab.

verb (used without object)

, probed, prob·ing.

1. to examine or explore a matter thoroughly (sometimes followed by into ):

   The checklist consists of a series of questions carefully designed to probe into all aspects of your business.

   The cross-examiner probed a little more before dismissing the witness.

2. to explore or search with or as if with an instrument:

   You may have to probe with the rod until you find the mouth of the pipe.

noun

1. an act or instance of probing.
2. an investigation, especially by a legislative committee, of suspected illegal activity.
3. a tool or instrument designed for examining something, especially a slender surgical instrument for exploring the depth or direction of a wound, sinus, or the like.
4. Aerospace. space probe ( def ).
5. a projecting, pipelike device on a receiving aircraft used to make connection with and receive fuel from a tanker aircraft during refueling in flight.
6. 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.
7. 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.

probe

/ prəʊb /

verb

1. tr to search into or question closely
2. to examine (something) with or as if with a probe

noun

1. something that probes, examines, or tests
2. surgery a slender and usually flexible instrument for exploring a wound, sinus, etc
3. a thorough inquiry, such as one by a newspaper into corrupt practices
4. electronics a lead connecting to or containing a measuring or monitoring circuit used for testing
5. electronics a conductor inserted into a waveguide or cavity resonator to provide coupling to an external circuit
6. any of various devices that provide a coupling link, esp a flexible tube extended from an aircraft to link it with another so that it can refuel
7. See space probe
   See space probe

Derived Forms

• ˈprobeable, adjective
• ˈprober, noun

Other Words From

• probe·a·ble adjective
• prob·er noun
• re·probe verb reprobed reprobing
• un·probed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of probe¹

First recorded in 1555–65; (noun) from Medieval Latin proba “examination,” Late Latin: “test,” derivative of probāre “to try, test, prove” ( proof ( def ), prove ( def ) ); (verb) partly derivative of the noun, partly from Latin probāre

Word History and Origins

Origin of probe¹

C16: from Medieval Latin proba investigation, from Latin probāre to test

Example Sentences

There were three elements in the primers and probes, numbered one, two, and three.

From Vox

In this video, they cover how to use beacons, probes, and shovels to help you understand how to implement these tools in an emergency.

From Outside Online

Say we found evidence of DNA on Mars—Perseverance has no way to sequence it, and as of yet there’s no way any Martian probe could be fitted with the necessary equipment to do so.

From MIT Technology Review

The probes emphasized Metro’s need to create, update and reinforce safety standards — something the agency has pledged after the release of a September audit that included 21 safety failures or concerns within its Rail Operations Control Center.

From Washington Post

Today it said it’s unpausing its multi-year probe to keep on prodding.

From TechCrunch

However, the probe stayed in contact with the Rosetta orbiter and has already sent back some photos.

From The Daily Beast

Then finally, the probe had to be released at the right moment and on the right course to land at that spot.

From The Daily Beast

The probe appears to be sitting at the bottom of a "cliff" on the comet, but beyond that it's hard to tell.

From The Daily Beast

UPDATE: Since publication yesterday, the Philae team learned that the probe bounced two times and apparently landed on its side.

From The Daily Beast

Earthlings, we can celebrate the accomplishment of landing a probe on a new world.

From The Daily Beast

It was risky work to leave the valuable convoy for an instant, but Malcolm felt that he must probe this mystery.

From Project Gutenberg

I have not been able to perceive a hole sufficient even to admit a small probe.

From Project Gutenberg

One by one they examine, they compare, they probe, and all in silence.

From Project Gutenberg

For a month she subjected Mr. Matthew Weyburn to the microscope of her observation and the probe of her instinct.

From Project Gutenberg

The slightest probe of such a feeling toward a man so infinitely beneath him, he would have felt degrading.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• check out
• delve into
• dig
• examine
• inquire
• interrogate
• penetrate
• poke
• scrutinize
• sift
• verify