analysis

(noun) an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole.

(noun) the abstract separation of a whole into its constituent parts in order to study the parts and their relations. Synonyms: analytic thinking.

(noun) a form of literary criticism in which the structure of a piece of writing is analyzed.

(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., `the father of the bride' instead of `the bride's father'.

(noun) a branch of mathematics involving calculus and the theory of limits; sequences and series and integration and differentiation.

(noun) a set of techniques for exploring underlying motives and a method of treating various mental disorders; based on the theories of Sigmund Freud. Synonyms: psychoanalysis, depth psychology. Example: "His physician recommended psychoanalysis."