v., -gat·ed, -gat·ing, -gates. v.tr.
To observe or inquire into in detail; examine systematically.
v.intr.
To make a detailed inquiry or systematic examination.
[Latin investīgāre, investīgāt- : in-, in; see in-2 + vestīgāre, to track (from vestīgium, footprint).]
investigable in·ves'ti·ga·ble (-gə-bəl) adj.investigatory in·ves'ti·ga·to'ry (-gə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.