- Analysis
- Analysis A*nal"y*sis, n.; pl. {Analyses}. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to
unloose, to dissolve, to resolve into its elements; ? up + ?
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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
