igˈzāmə̇n, eg- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, tongue of a balance, consideration, examination, from exigere to drive out, weigh, measure — more at exact
1. : examination, inquiry, or investigation especially when conducted to study or weigh the worth or state of something
a regular examen of conscience
show a periodic structure under electron microscope examen — Biological Abstracts
2. : a critical study (as of a writer or a phenomenon)
a sound, often brilliant examen of the most powerful English poet of this century — Robert Halsband