Dictionary
scope
Pronunciation: (skōp), [key]
—n., v., scoped, scop•ing.
—
n.
1. extent or range of view, outlook, application, operation, effectiveness, etc.:
an investigation of wide scope.
2. space for movement or activity; opportunity for operation:
to give one's fancy full scope.
3. extent in space; a tract or area.
4. length:
a scope of cable.
5. aim or purpose.
6. Ling., Logic.the range of words or elements of an expression over which a modifier or operator has control:
In “old men and women,” “old” may either take “men and women” or just “men” in its scope.
7. (used as a short form of
microscope, oscilloscope, periscope, radarscope, riflescope, telescopic sight, etc.)
—
v.t.
1. Slang.to look at, read, or investigate, as in order to evaluate or appreciate.
2. scope out, Slang.
a. to look at or over; examine; check out:
a rock musician scoping out the audience before going on stage.
b. to master; figure out:
By the time we'd scoped out the problem, it was too late. -scope
a combining form meaning “instrument for viewing,” used in the formation of compound words:
telescope. Cf.
-scopy. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
