A careful examination or inspection; in some religious contexts, a daily review of one's actions and conscience.
From Latin examen (a weighing, examination), from exigere (to weigh out), related to the word 'exact.' In Jesuit spirituality, 'examen' became a technical term for daily examination of conscience.
The Latin root examen literally means 'weighing'—imagine holding something on a scale to see its exact weight—which is why 'examine' and 'exact' are cousins; you're both weighing and measuring things precisely!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.