Survey

UK IPA: /ËˆsÉœËveÉª/, or, especially formerly, as the verb
US enPR: sÃ»rÊ¹vÄ, IPA: /ËˆsÉveÉª/, or, especially formerly, as the verb
The noun was formerly accented on the last syllable, like the verb.

From Old French sourveoir, surveer, from sour-, sur- ("over") + veoir, veeir ("to see"), from Latin videre. See sur- and vision.

(plural surveys)

The act of surveying; a general view, as from above."Under his proud survey the city lies." -Sir John Denham.
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.

Full definition of survey

To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country."Round he surveys and well might, where he stood, So high above." -John Milton.
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine."With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round." -John Dryden.
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
To dispose of after determining that something is no longer useful for its intended purpose (military) "Surveyed Old Rope." -William Bligh.