v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Investigated p. pr. & vb. n. Investigating. ] [ L. investigatus, p. p. of investigare to investigate; pref. in- in + vestigare to track, trace. See Vestige. ] To follow up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition; as, to investigate the causes of natural phenomena. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To pursue a course of investigation and study; to make investigation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically.
Syn. -- investigation. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L. investigatio: cf. F. investigation. ] The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Given to investigation; inquisitive; curious; searching. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L.: cf. F. investigateur. ] One who searches diligently into a subject. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. Of or pertaining to an investigation; accomplished by investigation; designed to find information or ascertain facts; as, investigatory committee; the investigatory excesses of the prosecutor.
Syn. -- fact-finding, investigative. [ WordNet 1.5 ]