I. ˈtest noun
Etymology: Middle English, vessel in which metals were assayed, potsherd, from Anglo-French test, tees pot, Latin testum earthen vessel; akin to Latin testa earthen pot, shell
Date: 14th century
1.
a. chiefly British : cupel
b.
(1) : a critical examination, observation, or evaluation : trial ; specifically : 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 test 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
II. adjective
Date: 1687
1. : of, relating to, or constituting a test
2. : subjected to, used for, or revealed by testing
a test group
test data
III. verb
Date: 1748
transitive verb
1. : to put to test or proof : try — often used with out
2. : to require a doctrinal oath of
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to undergo a test
b. : to be assigned a standing or evaluation on the basis of tests
test ed positive for cocaine
the cake test ed done
2. : to apply a test as a means of analysis or diagnosis — used with for
test for mechanical aptitude
• test·abil·i·ty ˌtes-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
• test·able ˈtes-tə-bəl adjective
•
- test the waters
IV. noun
Etymology: Latin testa shell
Date: circa 1842
: an external hard or firm covering (as a shell) of many invertebrates (as a foraminifer or a mollusk)