test

noun (1)

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\ ˈtest

Definition of test

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a : a means of testing: such as

(1) : something (such as a series of questions or exercises) for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group

(2) : a procedure, reaction, or reagent used to identify or characterize a substance or constituent

b : a positive result in such a test

2a(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

b : an ordeal or oath required as proof of conformity with a set of beliefs

c chiefly British : cupel

3 : a result or value determined by testing

4 : test match

test

verb

tested; testing; tests

Definition of test (Entry 2 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to put to test or proof : try —often used with out

2 : to require a doctrinal oath of

intransitive verb

1a : to undergo a test

b : to be assigned a standing or evaluation on the basis of tests tested positive for cocaine the cake tested done

2 : to apply a test as a means of analysis or diagnosis —used with for test for mechanical aptitude

test the waters or less commonly test the water

: to make a preliminary test or survey (as of reaction or interest) before embarking on a course of action

test

adjective

Definition of test (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : of, relating to, or constituting a test

2 : subjected to, used for, or revealed by testing a test group test data

test

noun (2)

Definition of test (Entry 4 of 5)

: an external hard or firm covering (such as a shell) of many invertebrates (such as a foraminifer or a mollusk)

Test

abbreviation

Definition of Test (Entry 5 of 5)

Testament

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Synonyms for test

Synonyms: Verb

sample,
try (out)

Examples of test in a Sentence

Verb Weekly quizzes will test your understanding of the material. The students will all be tested again at the end of the school year. The school nurse will be testing students' hearing next week. She tested positive for AIDS. The water gets tested regularly.

First Known Use of test

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Verb

1748, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for test

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

Latin testa shell

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Cite this Entry

“Test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test. Accessed 9 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for test

test

verb

English Language Learners Definition of test

: to use a set of questions or problems to measure someone's skills, knowledge, or abilities

: to examine a part of the body or a substance taken from the body

: to examine a small amount of water, soil, air, etc., in order to see if its quality is good, if it contains a dangerous substance, etc.

See the full definition for test in the English Language Learners Dictionary

test

noun

\ ˈtest

Kids Definition of test

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a set of questions or problems by which a person's knowledge, intelligence, or skills are measured

2 : a means of finding out the nature, quality, or value of something … she told me about the illness that was the true test of her bravery.— Ellen Raskin, The Westing Game

test

verb

tested; testing

Kids Definition of test (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to measure a person's knowledge, intelligence, or skills

2 : to find out the nature, quality, or value of something

test

noun

\ ˈtest

Medical Definition of test

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a critical examination, observation, evaluation, or 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 means of testing: as

a(1) : a procedure or reaction used to identify or characterize a substance or constituent a test for starch using iodine

(2) : a reagent used in such a test

b : a diagnostic procedure for determining the presence or nature of a condition or disease or for revealing a change in function

c : something (as a series of questions or exercises) for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group

3 : a result or value determined by testing

test

transitive verb

Medical Definition of test (Entry 2 of 3)

: to subject to a test

intransitive verb

1 : to undergo a test