1. To look at something meticulously in order to detect some particular feature: While they were in the forest, Jim used his binoculars and scanned the trees in order to detect any interesting birds.
2. To inspect reading material in order to single out important information: Susan scanned the directions about her new washing machine in order to see how to use it correctly.
3. To transform an image into a digital form: Betty wanted to scan the article about trees so she could send it via e-mail to her sister.
4. To effectuate an object, a surface, or a part of the body to be examined by an electromagnetic beam: Airports have metal detectors which scan luggage to make sure there are no illegal weapons hidden in them.