probe, 1. any device used to explore an opening such as a sinus or wound. Common types of probes include a probe with a blunt leading end, a drum probe with a sounding device for the detection of metallic foreign particles, and an eyed probe with a small opening at one end for introducing a guiding thread along a fistula. 2. any device or agent, such as a radioactively tagged isotope or a molecular deoxyribonucleic acid fragment probe, inserted into a medium to obtain information about a structure or substance. 3. a Doppler probe used to detect blood flow in a vessel. 4. the act of exploring or investigating an action or unfamiliar matter.
