1 [U,C] the detailed study or examination of sth in order to understand more about it; the result of the study:
statistical analysis * The book is an analysis of poverty and its causes. * At the meeting they presented a detailed analysis of twelve schools in a London borough.
2 [U,C] a careful examination of a substance in order to find out what it consists of:
The blood samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis. * You can ask for a chemical analysis of your tap water.
3 [U] = PSYCHOANALYSIS:
In analysis the individual resolves difficult emotional conflicts.
IDIOMS
in the final / last analysis used to say what is most important after everything has been discussed, or considered:
In the final analysis, humour is a matter of individual interpretation.
