search

search [sʉrch]

vt.

[ME searchen < OFr cercher < LL circare, to go round, go about, explore < circus, a ring: see CIRCUS]

1. to go over or look through for the purpose of finding something; explore; rummage; examine [to search a house for a lost article]

2. to examine (a person) for something concealed, as by running one's hands over the clothing, through the pockets, etc.

3. to examine closely and carefully; test and try; probe [to search one's conscience]

4. to look through (writings, records, etc.) to establish certain facts

5. to find out or uncover by investigation: usually with out

vi.

1. to try to find something; make a search

2. to examine data in a computer in order to locate items having a given property

n.

1. an act of searching; scrutiny, inquiry, or examination in an attempt to find something, gain knowledge, establish facts, etc.

2. the act of a belligerent in stopping and searching a neutral ship for contraband: see RIGHT OF SEARCH

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in search of

making a search for; trying to find, learn, etc. by searching

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☆ search me! Slang

I do not know the answer to your query

searchable

adj.

searcher

n.