scanning

(noun) the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer.

(noun) the act of systematically moving a finely focused beam of light or electrons over a surface in order to produce an image of it for analysis or transmission.

(verb) examine minutely or intensely. Synonyms: scan. Example: "The surgeon scanned the x-ray."

(verb) examine hastily. Synonyms: scan, skim, rake, glance over, run down. Example: "She scanned the newspaper headlines while waiting for the taxi."

(verb) make a wide, sweeping search of. Synonyms: scan. Example: "The beams scanned the night sky."

(verb) conform to a metrical pattern. Synonyms: scan.

(verb) move a light beam over; in electronics, to reproduce an image. Synonyms: scan.

(verb) read metrically. Synonyms: scan. Example: "Scan verses."

(verb) obtain data from magnetic tapes. Synonyms: read, scan. Example: "This dictionary can be read by the computer."