1.  probe(n = noun.cognition) investigation - an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities; "there was a congressional probe into the scandal"
is a kind of enquiry, inquiry, research
has particulars: fishing expedition
Derived form verb probe₁

2.  probe(n = noun.artifact) - a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities;
is a kind of surgical instrument
Derived form verb probe₂

3.  probe(n = noun.act) - an exploratory action or expedition;
is a kind of exploration

4.  probe(n = noun.act) - an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity;
is a kind of research
Derived form verb probe₂

1.  probe(v = verb.communication) examine - question or examine thoroughly and closely;
is one way to investigate, look into
Derived form noun probe₁
Sample sentences: The men probe the area for animals ; The men probe for animals in the area

2.  probe(v = verb.contact) dig into, poke into - examine physically with or as if with a probe; "probe an anthill"
is one way to penetrate, perforate
Derived forms noun probe₄, noun probe₂
Sample sentences: Somebody ----s something; Something ----s something

1.  To examine, as a wound, an ulcer, or some cavity of the body, with a probe. [1913 Webster]

2.  Fig.: to search to the bottom; to scrutinize or examine thoroughly. Dryden. [1913 Webster]
"The growing disposition to probe the legality of all acts, of the crown." [1913 Webster]

   An instrument for examining the depth or other circumstances of a wound, ulcer, or cavity, or the direction of a sinus, of for exploring for bullets, for stones in the bladder, etc. Parr. [1913 Webster]

probe, n. & v.
--n.
1 a penetrating investigation.
2 any small device, esp. an electrode, for measuring, testing, etc.
3 a blunt-ended surgical instrument usu. of metal for exploring a wound etc.
4 (in full space probe) an unmanned exploratory spacecraft transmitting information about its environment.
--v.tr.
1 examine or enquire into closely.
2 explore (a wound or part of the body) with a probe.
3 penetrate with a sharp instrument.

Derivative:
probeable adj. prober n. probingly adv.

Etymology:
LL proba proof, in med.L = examination, f. L probare test

N  depth, deepness, profundity, depression, hollow, pit, shaft, well, crater, gulf, bowels of the earth, botttomless pit, hell, soundings, depth of water, water, draught, submersion, plummet, sound, probe, sounding rod, sounding line, lead, bathymetry, sonar, side-looking sonar, bathometer, deep, deep seated, profound, sunk, buried, submerged, subaqueous, submarine, subterranean, subterraneous, subterrene, underground, bottomless, soundless, fathomless, unfathomed, unfathomable, abysmal, deep as a well, bathycolpian, benthal, benthopelagic, downreaching, yawning, knee deep, ankle deep, beyond one's depth, out of one's depth, over head and ears, mark twine, mark twain.

N  perforator, piercer, borer, auger, chisel, gimlet, stylet, drill, wimble, awl, bradawl, scoop, terrier, corkscrew, dibble, trocar, trepan, probe, bodkin, needle, stiletto, rimer, warder, lancet, punch, puncheon, spikebit, gouge, spear, puncher, punching machine, punching press, punch pliers.

VB  make inquiry, inquire, ask, seek, search, look for, look about for, look out for, scan, reconnoiter, explore, sound, rummage, ransack, pry, peer, look round, look over, go over, look through, go through, spy, overhaul, ask about, inquire about, scratch the head, slap the forehead, look into every hole and corner, peer into every hole and corner, pry into every hole and corner, nose, trace up, search out, hunt down, hunt out, fish out, ferret out, unearth, leave no stone unturned, seek a clue, seek a clew, hunt, track, trail, mouse, dodge, trace, follow the trail, follow the scent, pursue, beat up one's quarters, fish for, feel for, investigate, take up an inquiry, institute an inquiry, pursue an inquiry, follow up an inquiry, conduct an inquiry, carry on an inquiry, carry out an inquiry, prosecute an inquiry, look at, look into, preexamine, discuss, canvass, agitate, examine, study, consider, calculate, dip into, dive into, delve into, go deep into, make sure of, probe, sound, fathom, probe to the bottom, probe to the quick, scrutinize, analyze, anatomize, dissect, parse, resolve, sift, winnow, view in all its phases, try in all its phases, thresh out, bring in question, bring into question, subject to examination, put to the proof, audit, tax, pass in review, take into consideration, take counsel, question, demand, put the question, pop the question, propose the question, propound the question, moot the question, start the question, raise the question, stir the question, suggest the question, put forth the question, ventilate the question, grapple with the question, go into a question, question, put to the question, interrogate, pump, subject to interrogation, subject to examination, cross-question, cross-examine, press for an answer, give the third degree, put to the inquisition, dodge, catechize, require an answer, pick the brains of, suck the brains of, feel the pulse, get the lay of the land, see how the wind is blowing, put one's ear to the ground, be in question, undergo examination.

N  experiment, essay, analysis, screen, trial, tentative method, t=atonnement, verification, probation, experimentum crucis, proof, (demonstration), criterion, diagnostic, test, probe, crucial test, acid test, litmus test, crucible, reagent, check, touchstone, pix, assay, ordeal, ring, litmus paper, curcuma paper, turmeric paper, test tube, analytical instruments, empiricism, rule of thumb, feeler, trial balloon, pilot balloon, messenger balloon, pilot engine, scout, straw to show the wind, speculation, random shot, leap in the dark, analyzer, analyst, assayist, adventurer, experimenter, experimentist, experimentalist, scientist, engineer, technician, subject, experimentee, guinea pig, experimental animal, protocol, experimental method, blind experiment, double-blind experiment, controlled experiment, poll, survey, opinion poll, epidemiological survey, retrospective analysis, retrospective survey, prospective survey, prospective analysis, statistical analysis, literature search, library research, tryout, audition, discovery, measurement, evidence, deduction, induction, abduction, experimental, empirical, probative, probatory, probationary, provisional, analytic, docimastic, tentative, unverified, unproven, speculative, untested, on trial, under examination, on probation, under probation, on one's trial, on approval, check it out, give it a try, see how it goes, Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.

VB  measure, mete, determine, assay, evaluate, value, assess, rate, appraise, estimate, form an estimate, set a value on, appreciate, standardize, span, pace step, apply the compass, gauge, plumb, probe, sound, fathom, heave the log, heave the lead, survey, weigh, take an average, graduate.

space probe