Main Entry: ¹test

Pronunciation: \ˈtest\

Function: 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