test´a|ble

test ¹ «tehst», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. an examination or trial: »

The teacher gave us a test in arithmetic. People who want a license to drive an automobile must pass a test.

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under trial. (Cf. ↑trial)

2. a means of trial: »

Trouble is a test of character.

3. Chemistry. a) the examination of a substance to see what it is or what it contains: »

A test showed that the water was pure.

b) the process or substance used in such an examination. c) the result of such an examination.

4. a cupel used in assaying or refining precious metals. a) examination by a test or cupel.

5. British. a Test match.

–adj.

1. of or having to do with a test: »

There are other test issues (New York Times).

2. taken, done, or made as a test: »

a test specimen, test laws.

–v.t.

to put to a test of any kind; try out: »

to hang on a rope testing it for strength. The doctor tested my eyes. He tested the boy's honesty by leaving money on the table. The teacher will test the class in spelling. The winter at Valley Forge tested the loyalty of the American troops (Marshall Smelser).

–v.i.

1. to undergo a test; be tested: »

Everybody wants to test for a part in the play.

2. to show a certain result on a test: »

The water tests pure. The car tested better on the highway than in city traffic.

3. to give a test (for): »

to test a child for comprehension, to test a patient for an allergy.

╂[< Old French test small pot in which to treat ore to find out how much metal it has < Latin testū earthen container or pot, variant of testa; see etym. under testa (Cf. ↑testa)]

–test´a|ble, adjective.

test ² «tehst», noun.

1. Zoology. the hard covering of certain animals; shell.

2. Botany. testa.

╂[< Latin testa; see etym. under testa (Cf. ↑testa)]

Test.,

Testament.