perusal

/pəˈruzəl/

Other forms: perusals

Perusal is the activity of carefully reading, poring over, or studying something with the intent of remembering it.

Sometimes the word perusal is used incorrectly, as in, “I’ll make a quick perusal of this document and then we’ll start the meeting.” Don’t do that. Remember that perusal actually means “thorough reading.” The verb form of this word, peruse, dates from the late 15th century, when it meant “use up" or "wear out.” So, take care: The perusal of a book could be so intense that it wears the book out!

Definitions of perusal

1. noun

   reading carefully with intent to remember
   synonyms: perusing, poring over, studying

   type of:

   reading

   the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message