scope1
n.
- the extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant:
these complex matters are beyond the scope of this book.
- the opportunity or possibility for doing something.
▸archaic a purpose or intention.
- Nautical the length of cable extended when a ship rides at anchor.
Etymology
C16 (in the sense ‘target for shooting at’): from Ital. scopo ‘aim’, from Gk skopos ‘target’.
scope2
n.
informal a telescope, microscope, or other device having a name ending in
-scope.
v.
N. Amer. informal look at carefully; scan.
▸assess; weigh up.