scanner
UK[ˈskænə(r)]US[ˈskænər]
n
a device that captures images or information from an object or document and converts it into a digital form.
n
a machine used in medical imaging to produce a picture of the inside of the body.
n
a program that examines computer data for specific characteristics, such as viruses or vulnerabilities.
Morpheme Breakdown
scan
n
er
scan
n
er
Etymology
the word 'scanner' is a modern english formation built upon the verb 'scan'. the verb itself has a fascinating journey, originating from the latin scandere, meaning 'to climb'. this evolved into a specialized use in medieval latin for analyzing the rhythmic 'ascent' and 'descent' of poetic meter. by the 20th century, 'scan' broadened to mean examining something methodically, line by line. the addition of the agent suffix '-er' creates a noun for a device that performs this action of systematic examination, perfectly capturing the function of machines that traverse or analyze documents, objects, or data sequentially to capture or interpret information.
Analysis
Structure: scan + n + er
- scan (verb): from late latin scandere 'to climb', later 'to analyze verse by its metrical feet'. in modern english, it means to examine closely or systematically.
- n (infix): a connective element added for phonetic ease in english word formation.
- er (agent noun suffix): from old english -ere, a suffix denoting a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
she placed the photograph face down on the flatbed scanner.
the patient was sent for an mri scan to get a clearer picture from the medical scanner.
my antivirus software includes a real-time malware scanner.