A-năl'y-sis, n.

n.; pl. ANALYSES. [Gr. ἀνάλυσις, from ἀναλύειν, to unloose, to dissolve, to resolve into its elements, from ἀνά, again, and λύειν, to loose.]

1. A resolution of any thing, 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.
2. Hence, (a.) A syllabus, or table of the principal heads of a continued 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. (c.) (Chem.) The separation of a compound by chemical processes into its constituents; as, an analysis of water, of air, &c. (d.) (Logic.) The tracing of things to their source, and the resolving of knowledge into its original principles. (e.) (Math.) The resolving of problems by reducing them to equations.

Ultimate analysis (Chem.), a resolution of a compound substance into its elements. — Proximate analysis, a determination of the proximate principles, or compounds, in a compound; — used especially with reference to organic substances. — Qualitative analysis, a determination simply of the ingredients present. — Quantitative analysis, a determination of the proportions of the ingredients or constituents. — Volumetric analysis, a method of quantitative analysis, in which re-agents of a standard strength are employed. Dana.