re·search 
(rĭ-sûrch, rēsûrch′)
(rĭ-sûrch, rēsûrch′)n.
1. Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.
2. An act or period of such study: her researches of medieval parish records.
v. re·searched, re·search·ing, re·search·es
v.intr.
To engage in or perform research.
v.tr.
1. To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner: researching the effects of acid rain.
2. To do research for: research a magazine article.
[Obsolete French recerche, from recercher, to search closely, from Old French : re-, re- + cerchier, to search; see SEARCH.]
re·searcha·ble adj.
re·searcher, re·searchist n.