Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Examine \Ex*am"ine\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Examined}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Examining}.] [L. examinare, examinatum, fr. examen,
   examinis: cf. F. examiner. See {Examen}.]
   1. To test by any appropriate method; to inspect carefully
      with a view to discover the real character or state of; to
      subject to inquiry or inspection of particulars for the
      purpose of obtaining a fuller insight into the subject of
      examination, as a material substance, a fact, a reason, a
      cause, the truth of a statement; to inquire or search
      into; to explore; as, to examine a mineral; to examine a
      ship to know whether she is seaworthy; to examine a
      proposition, theory, or question.

            Examine well your own thoughts.       --Chaucer.

            Examine their counsels and their cares. --Shak.

   2. To interrogate as in a judicial proceeding; to try or test
      by question; as, to examine a witness in order to elicit
      testimony, a student to test his qualifications, a
      bankrupt touching the state of his property, etc.

            The offenders that are to be examined. --Shak.

   Syn: To discuss; debate; scrutinize; search into;
        investigate; explore. See {Discuss}.

Source : WordNet®

examine
     v 1: consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to
          discover essential features or meaning; "analyze a
          sonnet by Shakespeare"; "analyze the evidence in a
          criminal trial"; "analyze your real motives" [syn: {analyze},
           {analyse}, {study}, {canvass}, {canvas}]
     2: observe, check out, and look over carefully or inspect; "The
        customs agent examined the baggage"; "I must see your
        passport before you can enter the country" [syn: {see}]
     3: question or examine thoroughly and closely [syn: {probe}]
     4: question closely
     5: put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental
        use to; "This approach has been tried with good results";
        "Test this recipe" [syn: {test}, {prove}, {try}, {try out},
         {essay}]