stud·y (st?d??)n. pl. stud·ies 1. a. The effort to acquire knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research: The study of language has overturned many misconceptions.b. An act or effort made in the pursuit of knowledge: applied himself to his studies.c. A branch of knowledge or department of learning: the study of geography; graduate studies.2. a. Attentive examination or analysis: The new drug is still under study.b. A detailed examination, analysis, or experiment investigating a subject or phenomenon: conducted a study of children’s reading habits.c. A document or publication presenting the results of such an endeavor.3. a. A literary work treating a particular subject or character: The novel is a study of Irish childhood.b. A preliminary sketch, as for a work of art or literature.4. Medicine A diagnostic test.5. Music A composition intended as a technical exercise.6. A state of mental absorption: She is in a deep study.7. A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.8. A noteworthy or interesting example: He is a study in contradictions.v. stud·ied, stud·y·ing, stud·ies v.tr.1. a. To apply one’s mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).b. To take (a course) at a school.2. To try to memorize: studied the lines for her role in the play.3. a. To perform a study of; investigate: We need to study the problem further.b. To read or look at carefully: studied the map; studied his expression.c. To give careful thought to; contemplate: Let’s study our next move.4. Medicine To perform a diagnostic test on (a part of the body, for example).v.intr.1. To apply oneself to learning, especially by reading: studied for the exam.2. To pursue a course of study: studied at Yale.3. To ponder; reflect.[Middle English studie, from Old French estudie, from Latin studium, from stud?re, to study.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.study (?st?d?) vb, studies, studying or studied1. (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; scrutinize4. (tr) to give much careful or critical thought to5. (Education) to take a course in (a subject), as at a college6. (tr) to try to memorize: to study a part for a play. 7. (intr) to meditate or contemplate; reflectn, pl studies8. a. the act or process of studyingb. (as modifier): study group. 9. (Building) a room used for studying, reading, writing, etc10. (often plural) work relating to a particular discipline: environmental studies. 11. an investigation and analysis of a subject, situation, etc: a study of transport provision in rural districts. 12. a product of studying, such as a written paper or book13. (Art Terms) a drawing, sculpture, etc, executed for practice or in preparation for another work14. (Music, other) a musical composition intended to develop one aspect of performing technique: a study in spiccato bowing. 15. (Theatre) theatre a person who memorizes a part in the manner specified: a quick study. 16. in a brown study in a reverie or daydream[C13: from Old French estudie, from Latin studium zeal, inclination, from stud?re to be diligent]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014stud?y (?st?d i) n., pl. stud?ies, n. 1. application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection. 2. the acquisition of knowledge or skill in a particular branch of learning, science, or art: the study of law. 3. Often, studies. a student’s work at school or college: to pursue one’s studies. 4. something studied or to be studied. 5. a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject, phenomenon, etc. 6. a written account of such an investigation. 7. a well-defined, organized branch of learning or knowledge. 8. zealous endeavor or assiduous effort. 9. the object of such endeavor or effort. 10. deep thought; reverie. 11. a room set apart for private study, reading, writing, or the like. 12. a musical composition whose purpose is to improve a player’s technique. 13. a. a literary composition executed for exercise or as an experiment in a particular method of treatment. b. such a composition dealing in detail with a particular subject, as a single main character. 14. a work of art produced as an educational exercise, as a memorandum of things observed, or as a guide for a finished work. 15. a person in relation to the speed at which he or she can memorize something, esp. an actor in regard to learning lines: a quick study. v.i. 16. to apply oneself to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading or investigation. 17. to apply oneself; endeavor. 18. to think deeply, reflect, or consider. 19. to take a course of study, as at a college. v.t. 20. to apply oneself to acquiring a knowledge of (a subject). 21. to examine or investigate carefully and in detail. 22. to observe attentively; scrutinize: to study a person’s face. 23. to read carefully or intently. 24. to endeavor to learn or memorize, as a part in a play. 25. to give thought to; consider. [1250?1300; (n.) Middle English studie