n.
- a blunt-ended surgical instrument for exploring a wound or part of the body.
▸a small measuring or testing device, especially an electrode.
- an investigation into a crime or other matter.
-
(also space probe)
an unmanned exploratory spacecraft.
- a projecting device on an aircraft for in-flight refuelling or on a spacecraft for docking with another craft.
v.
- physically explore or examine.
- enquire into closely.
Derivative
- prober n.
- probing adj.
- probingly adv.
Etymology
ME (as n.): from late L. proba ‘proof’ (in med. L. ‘examination’), from L. probare ‘to test’.