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Translation

probe

/probe/
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Word: Probe

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Definition:
  1. As a Noun:

    • A "probe" can refer to a flexible surgical instrument that doctors use to explore injuries or areas inside the body. It helps them see or understand what is happening inside.
    • It can also mean an investigation or inquiry into something that is not fully understood or is questionable. For example, if there is a scandal, a group might conduct a "probe" to find out what really happened.
  2. As a Verb:

    • To "probe" means to examine something closely or carefully, often by using a tool or instrument. It can also refer to asking questions in a detailed way to get more information.
Usage Instructions:
  • Use "probe" as a noun when referring to the instrument or the investigation.
  • Use "probe" as a verb when you want to describe the action of examining or questioning.
Examples:
  • Noun: The doctor used a probe to check for any injuries inside the wound.
  • Noun: The government launched a probe into the company’s financial activities after the allegations of fraud.
  • Verb: The scientist decided to probe the soil to learn more about its composition.
  • Verb: The journalist probed the politician with tough questions about the recent scandal.
Advanced Usage:
  • In medical contexts, "probe" can refer to specific types of instruments designed for particular procedures, such as "ultrasound probes" or "surgical probes."
  • In legal or investigative contexts, "probe" can refer to a formal inquiry, like a "federal probe" or "criminal probe," indicating a serious investigation.
Word Variants:
  • Probed (verb): past tense of probe.
  • Probing (verb): present participle of probe.
  • Prober (noun): someone who probes or investigates.
Different Meanings:
  • In a scientific context, "probe" can also refer to a device used to gather data from outer space, like a "space probe."
  • In everyday language, "to probe" can be used metaphorically to mean to dig deeper into a subject, such as "probing a topic in a discussion."
Synonyms:
  • For the noun: instrument, explorer, inquiry, examination.
  • For the verb: investigate, examine, explore, question, inspect.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • Probe into: To investigate or look deeply into something (e.g., "The detective probed into the suspect's background.").
  • Probe for answers: To seek information or clarification on a topic (e.g., "She probed for answers about the new policy changes.").
Noun
  1. an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity
  2. an exploratory action or expedition
  3. a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities
  4. an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
    • there was a congressional probe into the scandal
Verb
  1. examine physically with or as if with a probe
    • probe an anthill
  2. question or examine thoroughly and closely

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