investigator
n. countablen. a person whose job is to find out the truth about something, like a crime or a scientific problem. They look for clues and ask questions to solve a mystery.
n. a person who carries out a formal inquiry or systematic examination to uncover facts or determine the cause of an event. Often used in legal, scientific, or journalistic contexts.
The lead investigator found a new clue at the scene.
The insurance company sent an investigator to check the damage before paying for the repairs.
Following the sudden collapse of the bridge, a federal investigator was appointed to determine whether the failure was due to poor maintenance or a structural design flaw.
Attested in the mid‐16th century; from Latin investigator, from investigare, equivalent to investigate + -or.
Commonly modified by adjectives like 'lead', 'private', or 'principal' to specify the person's rank or field.