analysis

 
Pronunciation: /əˈnalɪsɪs/

noun (plural analyses /-siːz/)

  • 1 [mass noun] detailed examination of the elements or structure of something: statistical analysis [count noun]: an analysis of popular culture
  • the process of separating something into its constituent elements: the procedure is often more accurately described as one of synthesis rather than analysisOften contrasted with synthesis
  • the identification and measurement of the chemical constituents of a substance or specimen: samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis [count noun]: analyses of the rocks are consistent with a basaltic composition
  • Mathematics the part of mathematics concerned with the theory of functions and the use of limits, continuity, and the operations of calculus.
  • 2short for psychoanalysis other schools of analysis have evolved out of the original disciplines established by Freud

Phrases

in the final (or last) analysis

when everything has been considered (used to suggest that a statement expresses the basic truth about a complex situation): in the final analysis it is a question of political history

Origin:

late 16th century: via medieval Latin from Greek analusis, from analuein 'unloose', from ana- 'up' + luein 'loosen'

Spelling rule

Make the plural of analysis by changing the -is ending to -es: (analyses).