in·ves·ti·gate (ĭn-vĕs'tĭ-gāt')

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.

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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.

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