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Definition of scanner

scanner

/ˈskæn.ɚ/
scan · ner

Plural:scanners
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scanner Lexical Profile

scanner Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An electronic device that optically reads and converts physical documents, photographs, or barcodes into digital data.

Example

"She placed the old photograph on the glass of the scanner to create a digital backup."


2

A medical instrument or machine that uses radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance to capture internal images of the human body for diagnostic purposes.

Example

"The patient was carefully slid into the MRI scanner to check for tissue damage."


3

A radio receiver that automatically tunes through a specific sequence of frequencies to intercept signals, often used to monitor emergency or police broadcasts.

Example

"The local journalist kept a police scanner running on his desk to hear about breaking news events in real time."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scanner

• Rhymes for scanner

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'scan' (from Late Latin 'scandere', originally meaning to climb, later to analyze verse) combined with the agent suffix '-er'. Its technological usage emerged in the mid-20th century.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scanner. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scanner
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