assayed; assaying; assays
Definition of assay
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: to analyze (something, such as an ore) for one or more specific components
assayed the gold to determine its purity
b
: to judge the worth of : estimate
assay the results of the new changes
: to prove up in an assay
assay
noun
Definition of assay (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: examination and determination as to characteristics (such as weight, measure, or quality)
2
: analysis (as of an ore or drug) to determine the presence, absence, or quantity of one or more components
also
: a test used in this analysis
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of assay was in the 14th century
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