probe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
    investigation.
    • there was a congressional probe into the scandal
  2. noun a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities
  3. noun an exploratory action or expedition
  4. noun an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity
  5. verb question or examine thoroughly and closely
    examine.
  6. verb examine physically with or as if with a probe
    dig into; poke into.
    • probe an anthill

WordNet

Probe transitive verb
Etymology
L. probare to try, examine. See Prove.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Probed ; present participle & verbal noun Probing
Definitions
  1. To examine, as a wound, an ulcer, or some cavity of the body, with a probe.
  2. Fig.: to search to the bottom; to scrutinize or examine thoroughly. Dryden.
    The growing disposition to probe the legality of all acts, of the crown. Hallam.
Probe noun
Definitions
  1. (Surg.) An instrument for examining the depth or other circumstances of a wound, ulcer, or cavity, or the direction of a sinus, of for exploring for bullets, for stones in the bladder, etc. Parr. Wiseman.

Webster 1913