Inquiry (noun)

1. A search for knowledge or information; an investigation.
2. A formal investigation, especially one conducted by a government or official body.

Origin:

From middle english enquirie, from old french enquirie, from latin inquisitio ("examination, inquiry"), from inquisitus ("asked, sought out"), past participle of inquirere ("to ask, seek ou.t")

Examples:

1. The police launched an inquiry into the cause of the accident.
2. The inquiry revealed that the company had engaged in fraud.
3. The inquiry into the matter is still ongoing.
4. He was appointed to head the inquiry into the financial scandal.
5. The inquiry is focused on the safety of the product.