probe
Other forms: probing; probed; probes
If you probe something, you investigate it thoroughly. If you go into business with someone, you might probe her finances to make sure that she has a good track record.
Although it is usually used as a verb — "the police probed the man’s disappearance" — it can also be used as a noun to describe an information-gathering device. In 1979 the United States launched the world's first space probe into outer space. It was a spacecraft rigged with cameras, which were used to photograph Jupiter and Saturn.
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an exploratory action or expedition
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type of:
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exploration
a careful systematic search
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exploration
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an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity
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type of:
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research
systematic investigation to establish facts
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research
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a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities
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type of:
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surgical instrument
a medical instrument used in surgery
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surgical instrument
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an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities“there was a congressional probe into the scandal”
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synonyms:
investigation
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types:
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fishing expedition
an investigation undertaken in the hope (but not the stated purpose) of discovering information
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fishing expedition
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examine physically with or as if with a probe
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question or examine thoroughly and closely
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synonyms:
examine
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types:
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enquire, inquire, investigate
conduct an inquiry or investigation of
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re-examine
question after cross-examination by opposing counsel
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hear, try
examine or hear (evidence or a case) by judicial process
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spy
secretly collect sensitive or classified information; engage in espionage
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rehear, retry
hear or try a court case anew
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type of:
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investigate, look into
investigate scientifically
/proʊb/
/prəʊb/
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Vocabulary lists containing probe
In this nonfiction book, Gail Jarrow chronicles the life of James Garfield, detailing Garfield's early life, his rise to become the 20th president of the United States, and the events and aftermath of his assassination.
Seventh graders Link, Michael, and Dana start a project to bring people together and figure out who's responsible for a string of recent antisemitic hate crimes in their small town.
Middle graders Bug and Frankie form a close friendship when they team up to uncover the identity of the LA-area criminal called the Midnight Marauder.
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