noun

reconnaissance

reconnaissance, preliminary survey, scouting

The army sent a team on a reconnaissance mission.

The army sent a team on a reconnaissance mission.

They carried out a reconnaissance of the new territory.

They carried out a reconnaissance of the new territory.

((a)) reconnaissance ((of sth.)) to perform a reconnaissance of (sth.) They carried out a reconnaissance of the new territory.

Synonyms: surveillance, exploration, scouting

From French 'reconnaissance', from 'reconnaître' (to recognize, to explore). 're-' (again) + 'connaître' (to know).

Think of 're-knowing' an area before entering. It's about getting to know it, often for military purposes.

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