probe

plural probes

1. medicineAny of various medical instruments used to explore wounds, organs, etc.First known use 15th c.
   1. comedyAn anal probe, a fictional instrument commonly used by aliens on abducted humans.

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

      2004 August 2, Bayard Russell, nonemorecomic

      1 more example

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

      2009 September 14, Ryan Hudson, “Can I Abduct You?”, in ChannelATE, archived from the original on 25 Jun 2023

2. figurativelySomething which penetrates something else, as though to explore; something which obtains information.First known use 17th c.

   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.

   1973 August 4, J. Ralf Green, “The Hossenpfepper Column”, in Gay Community News, page 3

3. An act of probing; a prod, a poke.First known use 19th c.
4. figurativelyAn investigation or inquiry.First known use 20th c.

   They launched a probe into the cause of the accident.

5. aeronauticsA tube attached to an aircraft which can be fitted into the drogue from a tanker aircraft to allow for aerial refuelling.First known use 20th c.
6. sciencesA small device, especially an electrode, used to explore, investigate or measure something by penetrating or being placed in it.First known use 20th c.

   Insert the probe into the soil and read the temperature.

7. space flightA small, usually uncrewed, spacecraft used to acquire information or measurements about its surroundings.First known use 20th c.
8. goA move with multiple possible answers, seeking to make the opponent choose and commit to a strategy.

   Synonyms: yosu-miru

9. biochemistryAny group of atoms or molecules radioactively labeled in order to study a given molecule or other structure.

present singular third person probes · participle present probing · participle past probed · past probed

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

   If you probe further, you may discover different reasons.

   2 more examples

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

   1827, Henry Hallam, The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC

   It was exhilarating to watch him share a meal and then probe deeper into the cultures, the politics, and the heartbeat of the people of the city or country he was in. He seemed so learned, but not in any pretentious way.

   2019, Chris Meyer, (Please provide the book title or journal name), page 116

   Synonyms: scope

2. transitiveTo insert a probe into.

1. A model of Ford automobile.