INVESTIGATION

investigation, investigating

(noun) the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically

probe, investigation

(noun) an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities; “there was a congressional probe into the scandal”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

investigation (countable and uncountable, plural investigations)

The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research, especially patient or thorough inquiry or examination

Source: Wiktionary

In*ves`ti*ga"tion, n. Etym: [L. investigatio: cf. F. investigation.]

Definition: The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition