stud·y 

n. pl. stud·ies

1.

a. The act or process of studying.

b. The pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research.

2. Attentive scrutiny.

3. A branch of knowledge.

4. studies A branch or department of learning: graduate studies.

5.

a. A work, such as a thesis, that results from studious endeavor.

b. A literary work on a particular subject.

c. A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.

6. Music A composition intended as a technical exercise.

7. A state of mental absorption: She is in a deep study.

8. A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.

9. One who memorizes something, especially a performer who memorizes a part: He is a quick study.

v. stud·ied, stud·y·ing, stud·ies

v.tr.

1. To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).

2. To read carefully.

3. To memorize.

4. To take (a course) at a school.

5. To inquire into; investigate.

6. To examine closely; scrutinize.

7. To give careful thought to; contemplate: study the next move.

v.intr.

1. To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading.

2. To pursue a course of study.

3. To ponder; reflect.

[Middle English studie, from Old French estudie, from Latin studium, from studre, to study.]

vb studies, studying, studied

1. (Social Science / Education) to apply the mind to the learning or understanding of (a subject), esp by reading to study languages to study all night

2. (tr) to investigate or examine, as by observation, research, etc. to study the effects of heat on metal

3. (tr) to look at minutely; scrutinize

4. (tr) to give much careful or critical thought to

5. (Social Science / Education) to take a course in (a subject), as at a college

6. (tr) to try to memorize to study a part for a play

7. (intr) to meditate or contemplate; reflect

n pl studies

1.

a.  the act or process of studying

b.  (as modifier) study group

2. (Miscellaneous Technologies / Building) a room used for studying, reading, writing, etc.

3. (often plural) work relating to a particular discipline environmental studies

4. an investigation and analysis of a subject, situation, etc. a study of transport provision in rural districts

5. a product of studying, such as a written paper or book

6. (Fine Arts & Visual Arts / Art Terms) a drawing, sculpture, etc., executed for practice or in preparation for another work

7. (Music, other) a musical composition intended to develop one aspect of performing technique a study in spiccato bowing

8. (Performing Arts / Theatre) Theatre a person who memorizes a part in the manner specified a quick study

in a brown study in a reverie or daydream

[from Old French estudie, from Latin studium zeal, inclination, from studēre to be diligent]

study - Based on Latin studium, "painstaking application, zeal" (from studere, "to be zealous"), study's earliest uses are surprising: "affection, friendliness," an "occupation or pursuit," and "a state of reverie or abstraction; state of perplexity."

See also related terms for occupation.