enquiry
noun (especially British English) (also inquiry North American English, British English)
ɪnˈkwaɪəri 
ˈɪnkwəri ɪnˈkwaɪəri 
1 [countable] an official process to find out the cause of something or to find out information about somethinga murder enquiryenquiry into something a public enquiry into the environmental effects of the proposed new roadto hold/order an enquiry into the affair2 [countable] a request for information about somebody/something; a question about somebody/somethinga telephone enquiryenquiry (from somebody) (about somebody/something) We received over 300 enquiries about the job.enquiries from prospective studentsI'll have to make a few enquiries (= try to find out about it) and get back to you. (British English) Two men have been helping police with their enquiries (= are being questioned about a crime, but have not been charged with it).All enquiries should be addressed to the customer services department.3 [uncountable] the act of asking questions or collecting information about somebody/somethingscientific enquiryThe police are following several lines of enquiry.a committee of enquiry4 enquiries [plural] (British English) a place where you can get informationAsk at enquiries to see if your bag has been handed in. see also directory enquiriesHelp
In British English people sometimes distinguish between enquiry and inquiry, using enquiry for the general meaning of ‘a request for information’ and inquiry for the more particular meaning of ‘official investigation’ 