Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Research \Re*search"\ (r?-s?rch"), n. [Pref. re- + search: cf
   OF. recerche, F. recherche.]
   Diligent inquiry or examination in seeking facts or
   principles; laborious or continued search after truth; as,
   researches of human wisdom.

         The dearest interests of parties have frequently been
         staked on the results of the researches of antiquaries.
                                                  --Macaulay.

   Syn: Investigation; examination; inquiry; scrutiny.

Research \Re*search"\, v. t. [Pref. re- + search: cf. OF.
   recerchier, F. rechercher.]
   To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.

Source : WordNet®

research
     n 1: systematic investigation to establish facts
     2: a search for knowledge; "their pottery deserves more
        research than it has received" [syn: {inquiry}, {enquiry}]

research
     v 1: inquire into [syn: {search}, {explore}]
     2: attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific
        manner; "The student researched the history of that word"