I. ˈtrī(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Anglo-French, from trier to try
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : the action or process of trying or putting to the proof : test
b. : a preliminary contest (as in a sport)
2. : the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue
3. : a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation ; broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance
4.
a. : a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness — compare clinical trial
b. : one of a number of repetitions of an experiment
5. : attempt
II. adjective
Date: 1555
1. : of, relating to, or used in a trial
2. : made or done as a test or experiment
3. : used or tried out in a test or experiment