analysis

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 ]