'Scanning' definitions:

Definition of 'scanning'

From: WordNet
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

Definition of 'Scanning'

From: GCIDE
  • Scan \Scan\ (sk[a^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scanned (sk[a^]nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning.] [L. scandere, scansum, to climb, to scan, akin to Skr. skand to spring, leap: cf. F. scander. Cf. Ascend, Descend, Scale a ladder.]
  • 1. To mount by steps; to go through with step by step. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand. --Spenser. [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Specifically (Pros.), to go through with, as a verse, marking and distinguishing the feet of which it is composed; to show, in reading, the metrical structure of; to recite metrically. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize. [1913 Webster]
  • The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted. --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To examine quickly, from point to point, in search of something specific; as, to scan an article for mention of a particular person. [PJC]
  • 5. (Electronics) To form an image or an electronic representation of, by passing a beam of light or electrons over, and detecting and recording the reflected or transmitted signal. [PJC]

Synonyms of 'scanning'

From: Moby Thesaurus