1. (n) The organized quest for new knowledge and better understanding, e.g., of the natural world, determinants of health and disease. Several types of r. are recognized: observational (empiric); analytic; experimental; theoretical; applied. 2. (v) To conduct such scientific inquiry. [O.Fr. re-cerche, fr. cerchier, to search, fr. L. circare, to go around, fr. circus, circle]
Medical dictionary. 2011.