[test] n [ME, vessel in which metals were assayed, cupel, fr. MF, fr. L testum earthen vessel; akin to L testa earthen pot, shell] (14c) 1 a chiefly Brit: cupel b (1): a critical examination, observation, or evaluation: trial; specif: the procedure of submitting a statement to such conditions or operations as will lead to its proof or disproof or to its acceptance or rejection "a ~ of a statistical hypothesis" (2): a basis for evaluation: criterion c: an ordeal or oath required as proof of conformity with a set of beliefs
2. a: a means of testing: as (1): a procedure, reaction, or reagent used to identify or characterize a substance or constituent (2): something (as a series of questions or exercises) for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group b: a positive result in such a test
3: a result or value determined by testing
4: test match
[2]test vt (1689) 1: to put to test or proof: try
2: to require a doctrinal oath of ~ vi 1 a: to undergo a test b: to be assigned a standing or evaluation on the basis of tests "~ed positive for cocaine" "the cake ~ed done"
2: to apply a test as a means of analysis or diagnosis--used with for "~ for mechanical aptitude" -- test.abil.i.ty n -- test.able adj -- test the waters also test the water : to make a preliminary test or survey (as of reaction or interest) before embarking on a course of action [3]test n [L testa shell] (ca. 1842): an external hard or firm covering (as a shell) of many invertebrates (as a foraminifer or a mollusk)