probes

Noun

probe (plural probes)

1. Any of various medical instruments used to explore wounds, organs, etc.
   1. An anal probe, a fictional instrument commonly used by aliens on abducted humans.
      • You know, XR178.9, we haven't done any anal probes in a while.2004 August 2, Bayard Russell, nonemorecomic
2. (figuratively) Something which penetrates something else, as though to explore; something which obtains information.
   • Silverberg also gives the reader reader some excellent character insight; deep probes into the minds of all the principals bring the reader closer to the persons involved than might be thought possible with the plot so far removed from the realm of normality.1973 August 4, J. Ralf Green, “The Hossenpfepper Column”, in Gay Community News, page 3
3. An act of probing; a prod, a poke.
4. (figuratively) An investigation or inquiry.
   • They launched a probe into the cause of the accident.
5. A tube attached to an aircraft which can be fitted into the drogue from a tanker aircraft to allow for aerial refuelling.

See all 13 meanings of probe