examine
[ ig-zam-in ]
/ ɪgˈzæm ɪn /
verb (used with object), ex·am·ined, ex·am·in·ing.
to inspect or scrutinize carefully: to examine a prospective purchase.
to observe, test, or investigate (a person's body or any part of it), especially in order to evaluate general health or determine the cause of illness.
to inquire into or investigate: to examine one's motives.
to test the knowledge, reactions, or qualifications of (a pupil, candidate, etc.), as by questions or assigning tasks.
to subject to legal inquisition; put to question in regard to conduct or to knowledge of facts; interrogate: to examine a witness; to examine a suspect.
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Nearby words
exam., examen, examinant, examination, examination for discovery, examine, examine-in-chief, examinee, examiner, examinership, examplar
Origin of examine
1275–1325; Middle English < Middle French examiner < Latin exāmināre to weigh, examine, test, equivalent to exāmin- (stem of exāmen examen) + -āre infinitive ending
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for examine
British Dictionary definitions for examine
examine
/ (ɪɡˈzæmɪn) /
verb (tr)
to look at, inspect, or scrutinize carefully or in detail; investigate
education to test the knowledge or skill of (a candidate) in (a subject or activity) by written or oral questions or by practical tests
law to interrogate (a witness or accused person) formally on oath
med to investigate the state of health of (a patient)
Derived Formsexaminable, adjectiveexaminer, nounexamining, adjective
Word Origin for examine
C14: from Old French examiner, from Latin exāmināre to weigh, from exāmen means of weighing; see examen
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for examine
examine
[ ĭg-zăm′ĭn ]
v.
To study or analyze an organic material.
To test or check the condition or health of.
To determine the qualifications, aptitude, or skills of by means of questions or exercises.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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