PROBE
What does "PROBE" mean?
To explore or examine something closely, or an instrument or craft used to do so.
Meanings
- To investigate or examine something thoroughly. Investigators probed the cause of the collapse.
- To physically explore a surface or cavity with a tool or finger. The dentist probed the tooth for soft spots.
- A blunt surgical or scientific instrument used to explore a wound or measure something. She slid the probe along the patient's gumline. technical
- An unmanned spacecraft sent to gather data about distant bodies. The space probe sent back the first images of Pluto.
- A thorough investigation or inquiry. The corruption probe lasted two years.
Did you know?
- Launched in 1977, NASA's Voyager 1 probe crossed into interstellar space in 2012 - the first human-made object ever to leave the Sun's bubble entirely.
Word origin
From Medieval Latin 'proba' (examination), from Latin 'probare' (to test, prove); the same root gives English 'prove', 'probable', and 'probation'.
Remember it
PROBE shares its root with PROVE - both come from Latin 'probare', to test, whether you're testing a wound or a planet.
A little poem
A needle in the dark, a craft, a question-
all reach past the edge of safe possession,
and bring back light, or just the next suggestion.
tercet
Wordplay
- The detective and the surgeon went into business together. Their slogan? 'We'll probe anything.'
What it teaches
To probe is to risk what you find; the careful never reach interstellar space.
Quick facts
What does PROBE mean?
To explore or examine something closely, or an instrument or craft used to do so.
Is PROBE a valid word?
Yes — PROBE is one of the answer words in Wordul, the daily word game.
How many letters is PROBE?
PROBE has 5 letters and 1 syllable.
Where does PROBE come from?
From Medieval Latin 'proba' (examination), from Latin 'probare' (to test, prove); the same root gives English 'prove', 'probable', and 'probation'.
What can PROBE teach us?
To probe is to risk what you find; the careful never reach interstellar space.
How players do
Be the first to solve it.