inquiry

n. exploration, questioning, investigation; formal investigation, inquest; question

Inquiry is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim.
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Noun
1. a search for knowledge; "their pottery deserves more research than it has received"
(synonym) enquiry, research
(hypernym) problem solving
(hyponym) nature study
2. an instance of questioning; "there was a question about my training"; "we made inquiries of all those who were present"
(synonym) question, enquiry, query, interrogation
(hypernym) questioning, inquiring
(derivation) ask, inquire, enquire
3. a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
(synonym) enquiry
(hypernym) investigation, investigating
(hyponym) means test
(derivation) investigate, inquire, enquire

(n.)
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
  

(n.)
Search for truth, information, or knoledge; examination into facts or principles; research; invextigation; as, physical inquiries.
  

Used in the context of general equities. In-line expression of interest in a particular stock, usually asking the firm to bid for or offer stock.