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Scan vs Scour - What's the difference?

scan | scour |

In obsolete terms the difference between scan and scour

is that scan is to mount by steps; to go through with step by step while scour is to cleanse.

As verbs the difference between scan and scour

is that scan is to examine sequentially, part by part while scour is to clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously.

As nouns the difference between scan and scour

is that scan is an instance of scanning while scour is the removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.

scan

English

Verb

(scann)
  • To examine sequentially, part by part.
  • (computing) To create a digital copy of an image using a scanner.
  • To look about for.
    • He scanned the horizon.
  • (poetry) To fit or conform to a specific meter.
  • (obsolete) To mount by steps; to go through with step by step.

    • Noun

    (en noun)
  • An instance of scanning.
    • The operators vacated the room during the scan .
  • The result or output of a scanning process.
    • The doctors looked at the scans and made a diagnosis.

    See also

    * pan and scan * scanlate * scanlation * scanlator * scanner

    External links

    * * *

    Anagrams

    * English contranyms

    scour

    English

    Alternative forms

    * scower (obsolete)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To clean, polish, or wash something by scrubbing it vigorously.
    • He scoured the burner pans to remove the burnt spills.
  • To remove by rubbing or cleansing; to sweep along or off.
    • He scoured the burnt food from the pan.
  • * Shakespeare
    • [I will] stain my favors in a bloody mask, / Which, washed away, shall scour my shame with it.
  • To search an area thoroughly.
    • They scoured the scene of the crime for clues.
  • (ambitransitive) To move swiftly over; to brush along.
  • * Alexander Pope
    • when swift Camilla scours the plain
  • * Dryden
    • So four fierce coursers, starting to the race, / Scour through the plain, and lengthen every pace.
  • (veterinary medicine) Of livestock, to suffer from diarrhea.
    • If a lamb is scouring , do not delay treatment.
  • (veterinary medicine) To purge.
    • to scour a horse
  • (obsolete) To cleanse.
  • * Francis Bacon
    • Warm water is softer than cold, for it scoureth better.

    Derived terms

    * scourer

    Noun

    (-)
  • The removal of sediment caused by swiftly moving water.
    • Bridge scour may scoop out scour holes and compromise the integrity of the bridge.