scanning
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer
- the act of systematically moving a finely focused beam of light or electrons over a surface in order to produce an image of it for analysis or transmission
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Scan \Scan\ (sk[a^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scanned (sk[a^]nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning.] [L. scandere, scansum, to climb, to scan, akin to Skr. skand to spring, leap: cf. F. scander. Cf. Ascend, Descend, Scale a ladder.]
1.To mount by steps; to go through with step by step. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand.— Spenser.[1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]
2.Specifically (Pros.), to go through with, as a verse, marking and distinguishing the feet of which it is composed; to show, in reading, the metrical structure of; to recite metrically. [1913 Webster]
3.To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize. [1913 Webster]
The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted.— Atterbury.[1913 Webster]
4.To examine quickly, from point to point, in search of something specific; as, to scan an article for mention of a particular person. [PJC]
5.(Electronics) To form an image or an electronic representation of, by passing a beam of light or electrons over, and detecting and recording the reflected or transmitted signal. [PJC]