investigation

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ga·​tion ə̇nˌvestəˈgāshən 

plural -s

1

: the action or process of investigating : detailed examination : study, research

success of the … blend in knitwear has led to active investigation of blends with other fibers

—American Fabrics

a strong movement to make American universities centers of scholarly work and scientific investigation

—J. B. Conant

2

: a searching inquiry : examination, survey

his doctoral thesis was a penetrating investigation of the causes of race conflict

carried on energetic investigations of the medicinal flora of Mexico

—American Guide Series: Michigan

specifically : an official probe

the first Congressional investigation of loyalty in government

—Will Herberg

Word History

Etymology

Middle English investigacioun, from Middle French investigation, from Latin investigation-, investigatio, from investigatus (past participle of investigare) + -ion-, -io -ion

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Rhymes for investigation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration