Definition of: scan

(skan) v. scanned, scan·ning v.t.
1. To examine in detail; scrutinize closely.
2. To pass the eyes over quickly; glance at, as a page of manuscript.
3. To separate (verse) into metrical feet; ascertain the rhythm of.
4. To read (verse) aloud so as to ascertain the metrical structure.
5. In television, to pass a beam of light or electrons rapidly over every point of (a surface) so as to reproduce an image being televised.
—v.i.
6. To scan verse.
7. To conform to metrical rules: said of verse.
8. In television, to scan a surface. See synonyms under LOOK. [<LL scandere scan verses <L, climb]
—scan′na·ble adjective
—scan′ner noun