Probe Meaning and Definition
Probe
Pronunciation
/proʊb/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A device or instrument used to explore or investigate the nature of something, especially in fields such as medicine, electronics, or space exploration; a test or trial to determine the suitability or quality of something.
Examples
- The scientists used a probe to conduct an experiment on the behavior of molecules.
- The doctor inserted a probe into the patient’s mouth to examine the throat.
Synonyms
- Device
- Instrument
Etymology
The word “probe” comes from the Old French word “probee”, meaning “to test or examine”, which is derived from the Latin word “probare”, meaning “to prove”.
Usage Notes
When using the word “probe” in a sentence, it’s often necessary to specify the context or field in which it’s being used (e.g. “medical probe”, “space probe”).
Cultural References
The term “probe” has appeared in various forms of media, including science fiction films and literature. For example, in the Star Trek franchise, a probe is a type of spacecraft used for exploration.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Take the plunge/Probe the depths
Related Words or Phrases
- Instrumentation
- Discovery
Collocations
- Probe the issue
- Conduct a probe
Frequency of Use
The word “probe” is commonly used in fields such as medicine, electronics, and space exploration, but it’s not as frequently used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Prober
- Probee