as|say

as|say «uh SAY, AS ay», verb, noun.

–v.t.

1. to analyze (an ore or alloy) to find out the quantity of gold, silver, or other metal in it.

2. to make an assay of; try, test, or examine.

3. Archaic. to attempt.

–v.i.

to contain, as shown by analysis, a certain proportion of metal in ore, or of a particular ingredient in any substance, especially a drug.

–n.

1. the analysis of any substance, especially an ore, alloy, or drug, to find out the amount of metal or other ingredient in it by measuring, weighing, or calculating; determination of the proportion of goor other metal in an ore or alloy or of an ingredient in a drug or other substance: »

Hormonal assays showed both astronauts excreted greater amounts of aldosterone in space than on the ground (Science News).

2. the substance or sample analyzed or tested.

3. a list of the results of assaying any substance, especially an ore, alloy, or drug.

4. a trial, test, or examination: »

By no assay of reason... (Shakespeare).

5. Archaic. an attempt.

6. Archaic. the tasting of food or drink intended for another before serving it.

╂[< Old French assayer < Latin exagium a weighing < exigere weigh, prove < ex- out + agere to drive]

–as|say´a|ble, adjective.

–as|say´er, noun.