probe
UK: /prəʊb/ | US: /proʊb/
n. 1. A device or tool used to explore or examine something, especially in medicine or space exploration.
n. 2. A thorough investigation or inquiry.
vt. 1. To physically explore or examine something with a probe.
vt. 2. To investigate or question deeply.
The word "probe" originates from the Latin probare, meaning "to test or examine." It entered English via Old French prober in the late 14th century, initially referring to surgical instruments used to explore wounds. Over time, its meaning expanded to include metaphorical investigations, reflecting the logic of "testing" or "examining" both physical and abstract subjects. The silent "e" at the end is a vestige of its French adaptation.
The surgeon used a thin probe to examine the wound.
NASA launched a space probe to study Jupiter's atmosphere.
Journalists probed into the corruption scandal for months.
The detective probed the suspect with sharp questions.
Scientists are probing the depths of the ocean to discover new species.