1580s, "resolution of anything complex into simple elements" (opposite of synthesis), from Medieval Latin analysis (15c.), from Greek analysis "a breaking up, a loosening, releasing," noun of action from analyein "unloose, release, set free; to loose a ship from its moorings," in Aristotle, "to analyze," from ana "up, throughout" (see ana-) + lysis "a loosening," from lyein "to unfasten" (see lose). Psychological sense is from 1890. Phrase in the final (or last) analysis (1844), translates French en dernière analyse.
analysis a·nal·y·sis (ə-nāl'ĭ-sĭs)
n. pl. a·nal·y·ses (-sēz')
The separation of a whole into its constituent parts for individual study.
The separation of a substance into its constituent elements to determine either their nature or proportions.
The stated findings of such a separation or determination.