[study] n, pl stud.ies [ME studie, fr. OF estudie, fr. L studium, fr. studere to devote oneself, study; prob. akin to L tundere to beat--more at contusion] (14c) 1: a state of contemplation: reverie
2. a: application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge "years of ~" b: such application in a particular field or to a specific subject "the ~ of Latin" c: careful or extended consideration "the proposal is under ~" d (1): a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question (2): the published report of such a study
3: a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits
4: purpose, intent
5. a: a branch or department of learning: subject b: the activity or work of a student "returning to her studies after vacation" c: an object of study or deliberation "every gesture a careful ~ --Marcia Davenport" d: something attracting close attention or examination
6: a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play)--usu. used with a qualifying adjective "he's a fast ~" 7: a literary or artistic production intended as a preliminary outline, an experimental interpretation, or an exploratory analysis of specific features or characteristics 8: a musical composition for the practice of a point of technique
[2]study vb stud.ied ; study.ing vi (14c) 1 a: to engage in study b: to undertake formal study of a subject
2. dial: meditate, reflect
3: endeavor, try ~ vt 1: to read in detail esp. with the intention of learning
2: to engage in the study of "~ biology"
3: plot, design
4: to consider attentively or in detail syn see consider -- studi.er n