n.; pl. Analyses [ Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to unloose, to dissolve, to resolve into its elements; &unr_; up + &unr_; to loose. See Loose. ] 1. A resolution of anything, whether an object of the senses or of the intellect, into its constituent or original elements; an examination of the component parts of a subject, each separately, as the words which compose a sentence, the tones of a tune, or the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to synthesis. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Chem.) The separation of a compound substance, by chemical processes, into its constituents, with a view to ascertain either (a) what elements it contains, or (b) how much of each element is present. The former is called qualitative, and the latter quantitative analysis. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Logic) The tracing of things to their source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original principles. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Math.) The resolving of problems by reducing the conditions that are in them to equations. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (a) A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a discourse, disposed in their natural order. (b) A brief, methodical illustration of the principles of a science. In this sense it is nearly synonymous with synopsis. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Nat. Hist.) The process of ascertaining the name of a species, or its place in a system of classification, by means of an analytical table or key. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ultimate,
Proximate,
Qualitative,
Quantitative, and
Volumetric analysis. (Chem.) See under Ultimate, Proximate, Qualitative, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Statistics) a statistical technique by which the results of an observation or experiment are analyzed to determine the relative contributions of the different possible causative factors or variables to the outcome. Abbreviated ANOVA. [ PJC ]