The word 扫描 (sǎomiáo, "to scan") is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a key action to the concept. The first character, 扫 (sǎo), means "to sweep" or "to brush over", conveying the idea of a broad, covering motion. The second, 描 (miáo), means "to trace", "to depict", or "to copy", focusing on the detailed capture of an image or form. Together, they create a vivid conceptual metaphor: the action of a device (like a scanner or radar) that systematically sweeps over an area or object in order to trace and record its precise details, perfectly encapsulating the mechanical and digital process of scanning.