research

Formsresearches, researching, researched

1. 1
   careful studynoununcountable

   Diligent inquiry or examination undertaken to seek or revise facts, principles, theories, or applications.

   Years of research went into developing the vaccine.

   Good research depends on careful record-keeping and honest reporting.

   UsageUsually some research or a piece of research (not incorrect: a research); you do research on or into a topic.

   Similarinquiry, experimentation, scholarship

2. 2
   investigateverb

   To study a subject carefully and in detail in order to find out facts or reach new conclusions.

   She researched the history of the old mill before writing her novel.

   Good journalists research thoroughly before they publish.

3. 3
   single studynoundatedcountable

   A single investigation or study carried out on a particular subject.

   Over a long career, his researches into the folk songs of the valley filled four volumes and a shelf of notebooks.

   The dearest interests of parties have frequently been staked on the results of the researches of antiquaries.

   1849, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second

   UsageMostly as researches into or on a subject, in older writing; today a study or a piece of research is more usual.

   Similarstudy, investigation

   Note

   A countable use that now reads as period prose. The Scots Magazine of 1747 speaks of 'so necessary a research', and Macaulay writes of 'the researches of antiquaries'.

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