inquest

1. N-COUNT When an inquest is held, a public official hears evidence about someone's death in order to find out the cause. (调查死因的) 讯问

The inquest into their deaths opened yesterday in Little Rock. 昨天在小石城展开了对他们死因的调查讯问。

2. N-COUNT You can refer to an investigation by the people involved in a defeat or failure as an inquest. (对失败原因的) 调查

His plea came last night as party chiefs held an inquest into the election disaster. 昨晚政党领袖对竞选失败进行调查时，他提出了申辩。