Main Entry: in·ves·ti·gate

Pronunciation: \in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): in·ves·ti·gat·ed; in·ves·ti·gat·ing

Etymology: Latin investigatus, past participle of investigare to track, investigate, from in- + vestigium footprint, track

Date: circa 1510

transitive verb : to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiryintransitive verb : to make a systematic examination; especially : to conduct an official inquiry

— in·ves·ti·ga·tion \-ˌves-tə-ˈgā-shən\ noun

— in·ves·ti·ga·tive \-ˈves-tə-ˌgā-tiv\ adjective

— in·ves·ti·ga·tor \-ˌgā-tər\ noun

— in·ves·ti·ga·to·ry \-ˈves-ti-gə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective