Main Entry:

¹study

Pronunciation:

\ˈstə-dē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural stud·ies

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 : reverie2 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 study3: a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits4: 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 examination6: 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 characteristics8: a musical composition for the practice of a point of technique