Definition of: survey

(sər·vā′) v.t.
1. To look at in its entirety; view as from a height.
2. To look at carefully and minutely; scrutinize; inspect.
3. To determine accurately the area, contour, or boundaries of by measuring lines and angles according to the principles of geometry and trigonometry.
—v.i.
4. To survey land. See synonyms under LOOK.
—noun (sûr′vā, sər·vā′)
1. The operation, act, process, or results of finding the contour, area, boundaries, etc., of a surface.
2. A department or corps for carrying on such operations; also, an area that has been surveyed.
3. A general or comprehensive view; an overlooking.
4. A scrutinizing view; inspection. [<AF survey-, stem of surveier, OF sorveir <Med. L supervidere <super- over + videre look]