Main Entry: ¹tri·al

Pronunciation: \ˈtrī(-ə)l\

Function: 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