reconnaissance

Or re·con·nois·sance

[ri-kon-uh-suhns, -zuhns]

noun

1. the act of reconnoitering.

2. Military.,  a search made for useful military information in the field, especially by examining the ground.

3. Surveying, Civil Engineering.,  a general examination or survey of a region, usually followed by a detailed survey.

4. Geology.,  an examination or survey of the general geological characteristics of a region.

reconnaissance

/ rɪˈkɒnɪsəns /

noun

1. the act of reconnoitring

2. the process of obtaining information about the position, activities, resources, etc, of an enemy or potential enemy

3. a preliminary inspection of an area of land before an engineering survey is made

Word History and Origins

Origin of reconnaissance¹

1800–10; < French; Middle French reconoissance recognizance

Word History and Origins

Origin of reconnaissance¹

C18: from French, from Old French reconoistre to explore, _recognize

Example Sentences

Experts say these could be used for a variety of tasks from reconnaissance and sweeping for mines, to hunting down enemy soldiers.

From BBC

As if to underscore the point, the Pentagon ordered 4,000 Marines and sailors to the waters of Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside Navy destroyers, reconnaissance aircraft and a nuclear-powered missile cruiser.

From Los Angeles Times

Remotely-piloted drones are already in use with HM Coastguard and the Royal Navy, performing search and reconnaissance roles, but the unmanned police helicopter will be the first flying over residential areas.

From BBC

He said Russia had been trying to get to the city with small groups of soldiers attacking for sabotage and reconnaissance purposes, claiming one such group had been destroyed.

From BBC

Earl persuaded a man - who was not charged with any offence - to conduct some reconnaissance of the wine shop.

From BBC

Related Words

• exploration 
• surveillance