probe

Everyday

1. A space probe is a spacecraft with no people in it, sent to explore planets and space. tree →
2. A probe is a thin tool used to examine or measure something, for example a temperature probe. tree →
3. To probe means to look into something carefully or ask lots of questions to find out the truth. tree →
4. To probe can also mean to push a tool or finger into something to explore it. tree →

In the lessons

Science and space: probes have flown past every planet in our solar system and sent back photos. In science practicals: a temperature probe connected to a computer records readings. In stories and news: police or reporters probe a mystery. Phrases: space probe, a probe into, probe deeper, temperature probe.

Examples

• A space probe sent back pictures of Saturn's rings. tree →
• We used a temperature probe in the science lesson. tree →
• The dentist probed my tooth gently. tree →
• Detectives probed the mystery of the missing jewels. tree →
• The bird probed the mud with its long beak. tree →
• The probe landed on a comet. tree →

Note

Verb past: probed, -ing: probing. «Probing questions» are careful, searching questions. A probe has no astronauts on board — that is a key difference from a crewed spaceship.

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah it means to examine deeply by thinking.

Interpretation. The text tells the student to test and probe the ten sefirot with Wisdom and Understanding, so study is active inquiry.

Examples

• Test with them and probe of them (and form and think). (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Understand with Wisdom and become wise with Understanding; test with them and probe of them. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Verb past: probed, -ing: probing. «Probing questions» are careful, searching questions. A probe has no astronauts on board — that is a key difference from a crewed spaceship.