sur|vey

sur|vey «verb. suhr VAY; noun. SUR vay, suhr VAY», verb, noun, plural -veys.

–v.t.

1. to look over; view, examine, consider, or contemplate as a whole: »

to survey accounts. Grandma surveyed me with a stern look. The buyers surveyed the goods offered for sale. Figurative. The mayor surveyed the situation before recommending action.

2. to measure for size, shape, position, or boundaries; use linear and angular measurements and apply geometric and trigonometric principles so as to construct a map, plan, or detailed description: »

Men are surveying the land before it is divided into lots.

–v.i.

to survey land.

–n.

1. the act of viewing or considering something as a whole; general or comprehensive look; view; examination; inspection: »

We were pleased with our first survey of the house. After a moment's survey of her face... (Dickens).

2. Figurative. a comprehensive literary examination, discussion, or description: »

a survey of contemporary poetry.

3. Figurative. a formal or official inspection, study, or poll: »

a survey of public opinion, a research center for business surveys.

4. Figurative. a statement or description embodying the result of such examination: »

a published survey of population trends.

5. the process of measuring for size, shape, position, or boundaries: »

A survey of the property showed that the northern boundary was not correct.

6. a plan or description of such a measurement: »

He pointed out the railroad on the government survey.

╂[< Anglo-French surveier, or Old French sourveeir < Medieval Latin supervidere < Latin super- over + vidēre to see]