Definition of: study

(stud′ē) v. stud·ied, stud·y·ing v.t.
1. To apply the mind in acquiring a knowledge of: to study physics.
2. To examine; search into: to study a problem.
3. To look at attentively; scrutinize: to study one's reflection in a mirror.
4. To endeavor to memorize, as a part in a play.
5. To give thought and attention to, as something to be done or devised: often with out.
—v.i.
6. To apply the mind in acquiring knowledge.
7. To follow a regular course of instruction; be a student.
8. To muse; meditate. See synonyms under CONSIDER, EXAMINE, MUSE.
—to study up on To acquire more complete information concerning, as by investigation.
—noun plural stud·ies
1. The act of studying; the process of acquiring information; application of the mind to books, to art or science, etc.
2. A particular instance or form of mental work.
3. Something to be studied; a branch or department of knowledge.
4. A specific product of studious application.
5. In art, a first sketch; a student's art exercise.
6. A carefully elaborated literary treatment of a subject.
7. A room devoted to study, reading, etc.
8. A studious state of mind; profound thought; absent–mindedness: in a brown study. See BROWN STUDY.
9. Earnest endeavor; thoughtful care or its object: Our study is to please you.
10. Music A composition designed to aid development in technical facility; an étude. See synonyms under EDUCATION, INQUIRY, LEARNING, REFLECTION, TASK, THOUGHT¹. [<OF estudier <estudie a study <L studium zeal. See STUDIO.]
—stud′·i·a·ble adjective