test 1 (t st)
n.
1. A procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial: a test of one’s eyesight; subjecting a hypothesis to a test; a test of an athlete’s endurance.
2. A series of questions, problems, or physical responses designed to determine knowledge, intelligence, or ability.
3. A basis for evaluation or judgment: “A test of democratic government is how Congress and the president work together” (Haynes Johnson).
4. Chemistry
a. A physical or chemical change by which a substance may be detected or its properties ascertained.
b. A reagent used to cause or promote such a change.
c. A positive result obtained.
5. A cupel.
v. test·ed, test·ing, tests
v.tr.
1. To subject to a test; try: tested the pen by scribbling on scrap paper; testing job applicants.
2.
a. To determine the presence or properties of (a substance).
b. To assay (metal) in a cupel.
v.intr.
1. To undergo a test.
2. To administer a test: test for acid content; test for the presence of an antibody.
3. To achieve a score or rating on tests: tested high on the entrance exams.
4. To exhibit a given characteristic when subjected to a test: test positive for the tubercle bacillus.
[Middle English, cupel, from Old French, pot, from Latin test
 , testum.]test
 a·bil i·ty n.test
a·ble adj. |
| test 2 (tst)
n.
A hard external covering, as that of certain amoebas, dinoflagellates, and sea urchins.
[Latin testa, shell.]
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