probe
probe / prōb/ • n. a blunt-ended surgical instrument used for exploring a wound or part of the body. ∎ a small device, esp. an electrode, used for measuring, testing, or obtaining information. ∎ a projecting device for engaging in a drogue, either on an aircraft for use in inflight refueling or on a spacecraft for use in docking with another craft. ∎ (also space probe) an unmanned exploratory spacecraft designed to transmit information about its environment. ∎ an investigation into a crime or other matter: a probe into the maritime industry by the FBI.• v. [tr.] physically explore or examine (something) with the hands or an instrument: researchers probing the digestive glands of mollusks. ∎ [intr.] seek to uncover information about someone or something: he began to probe into Donald's whereabouts| [tr.] police are probing another murder. DERIVATIVES: prob·er n.prob·ing·ly adv.
