Etymology: Middle English studie, from Anglo-French estudie, from Latin studium, from studēre to devote oneself, study; probably akin to Latin tundere to beat — more at contusion
Date: 14th century
1: a state of contemplation :reverie 2 a: application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge <years of study>b: such application in a particular field or to a specific subject <the study of Latin>c: careful or extended consideration <the proposal is under study>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<it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses — Jane Austen> 5 a: a branch or department of learning :subject —often used in plural <American studies>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 study — Marcia Davenport>d: something attracting close attention or examination 6: a person who learns or memorizes something (as a part in a play) —usually used with a qualifying adjective <he's a quick study> 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