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study

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Study is to spend time learning about or investigating a subject.

(verb)

An example of study is when you go to the library and read your books for class.
An example of study is when a scientists observes rats to find out how the brain works.

Study is the act of learning and spending time discovering information or an academic work or investigation about a particular thing or subject area.

(noun)

An example of study is learning about science or the study of science.
An example of study is a publication in a journal of science.
An example of study is research conducted into evolution.

See study in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. studies

the act or process of applying the mind so as to acquire knowledge or understanding, as by reading, investigating, etc.
careful attention to, and critical examination and investigation of, any subject, event, etc.
1. a branch of learning or knowledge
2. any subject of study
formal education; schooling
a product of studying; specif.,
1. an essay or thesis embodying the results of a particular investigation
2. a work of literature or art treating a subject in careful detail and typically done as an exercise in technique, experimentation, or exploration
3. a first sketch for a story, picture, etc.
4. étude
an earnest effort or intention
a state of mental absorption; reverie
a room, as in a house, designed for study, writing, reading, etc.
a person with reference to the ability to memorize, comprehend, etc.: a quick study

Origin: ME studie < OFr estudie < L studium, zeal, study < studere, to busy oneself about, apply oneself to, study, orig., prob., to aim toward, strike at, akin to tundere, to strike, beat < IE *(s)teud- < base *(s)teu-, to beat > stock, steep

transitive verb studied, studying

to apply one's mind to attentively; try to learn or understand by reading, thinking, etc.: to study history
1. to examine or investigate carefully: to study the problem of air pollution
2. to look at carefully; scrutinize: to study a map
1. to read (a book, lesson, etc.) so as to know and understand it
2. to concentrate on so as to memorize
to take a course in, as at a school or college
to give attention, thought, or consideration to: studying possible changes

intransitive verb

to study something
to be a student; take a regular course (at a school or college)
to make earnest efforts; try hard
to meditate; ponder

See study in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. stud·ies

a. The act or process of studying.
b. The pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research.
Attentive scrutiny.
A branch of knowledge.
studies A branch or department of learning: graduate studies.
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.
Music A composition intended as a technical exercise.
A state of mental absorption: She is in a deep study.
A room intended or equipped for studying or writing.
One who memorizes something, especially a performer who memorizes a part: He is a quick study.

verb stud·ied, stud·y·ing, stud·ies

verb, transitive

To apply one's mind purposefully to the acquisition of knowledge or understanding of (a subject).
To read carefully.
To memorize.
To take (a course) at a school.
To inquire into; investigate.
To examine closely; scrutinize.
To give careful thought to; contemplate: study the next move.

verb, intransitive