probe

name

1. A model of Ford automobile.

noun

Etymology: For verb: borrowed from Latin probare (“to test, examine, prove”), from probus (“good”). Doublet of prove. For noun: borrowed from Late Latin proba (“a proof”), from probare (“to test, examine, prove”); Doublet of proof. Compare Spanish tienta (“a surgeon's probe”), from tentar (“try, test”); see tempt.

1. Any of various medical instruments used to explore wounds, organs, etc.
2. Any of various medical instruments used to explore wounds, organs, etc.

   “You know, XR178.9, we haven't done any anal probes in a while.”

   “You listen here! We don't do anal probes like other aliens, but I'm about to make an exception!”

3. Something which penetrates something else, as though to explore; something which obtains information.

   “Silverberg also gives the reader reader some excellent character insight; deep probes into the minds of all the principals bring the reader closer to the persons involved than might be thought possible with the plot so far removed from the realm of normality.”

4. An act of probing; a prod, a poke.
5. An investigation or inquiry.

   “They launched a probe into the cause of the accident.”

6. A tube attached to an aircraft which can be fitted into the drogue from a tanker aircraft to allow for aerial refuelling.
7. A small device, especially an electrode, used to explore, investigate or measure something by penetrating or being placed in it.

   “Insert the probe into the soil and read the temperature.”

8. A small, usually uncrewed, spacecraft used to acquire information or measurements about its surroundings.
9. A move with multiple possible answers, seeking to make the opponent choose and commit to a strategy.
10. Any group of atoms or molecules radioactively labeled in order to study a given molecule or other structure

verb

Etymology: For verb: borrowed from Latin probare (“to test, examine, prove”), from probus (“good”). Doublet of prove. For noun: borrowed from Late Latin proba (“a proof”), from probare (“to test, examine, prove”); Doublet of proof. Compare Spanish tienta (“a surgeon's probe”), from tentar (“try, test”); see tempt.

1. To explore, investigate, question, test, or prove.

   “If you probe further, you may discover different reasons.”

   “the growing disposition to probe the legality of all acts of the crown”

2. To insert a probe into.