probe

Noun

• an investigation conducted using a flexible surgical instrument to explore an injury or a body cavity

• an exploratory action or expedition

• a flexible slender surgical instrument with a blunt end that is used to explore wounds or body cavities

• an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
  • there was a congressional probe into the scandal
    

Verb

• examine physically with or as if with a probe
  • probe an anthill
    

• question or examine thoroughly and closely

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  investigation , dig into , poke into , examine