I. rə̇sərch, rēˈs-, ˈrēˌs-, -sə̄ch, -səich noun
Etymology: Middle French recerche, from recercher to research
1. : careful or diligent search : a close searching
researches after hidden treasure
2.
a. : studious inquiry or examination ; especially : critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical applications of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws
gave his time to research
b.
(1) : a particular investigation of such a character : a piece of research
(2) : a presentation (as an article or book) incorporating the findings of a particular research
3. : capacity for or inclination to research
a scholar of great research
Synonyms: see inquiry
II. verb
Etymology: Middle French recercher to research, seek out, from Old French, from re- + cercher to search — more at search
transitive verb
: to search or investigate exhaustively : make researches into
intransitive verb
: to make researches or investigations