tests

test ¹  (tst)

n.

1. A procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial: a test of one's eyesight; subjecting a hypothesis to a test; a test of an athlete's endurance.

2. A series of questions, problems, or physical responses designed to determine knowledge, intelligence, or ability.

3. A basis for evaluation or judgment: "A test of democratic government is how Congress and the president work together" (Haynes Johnson).

4. Chemistry

a. A physical or chemical change by which a substance may be detected or its properties ascertained.

b. A reagent used to cause or promote such a change.

c. A positive result obtained.

5. A cupel.

v. test·ed, test·ing, tests

v.tr.

1. To subject to a test; try: tested the pen by scribbling on scrap paper; testing job applicants.

2.

a. To determine the presence or properties of (a substance).

b. To assay (metal) in a cupel.

v.intr.

1. To undergo a test.

2. To administer a test: test for acid content; test for the presence of an antibody.

3. To achieve a score or rating on tests: tested high on the entrance exams.

4. To exhibit a given characteristic when subjected to a test: test positive for the tubercle bacillus.

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[Middle English, cupel, from Old French, pot, from Latin test, testum.]

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testa·bili·ty n.

testa·ble adj.

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test ²  (tst)

n.

A hard external covering, as that of certain amoebas, dinoflagellates, and sea urchins.

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[Latin testa, shell.]

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See: service test; troop test.