Syn. — Criterion; standard; experience; proof; experiment; trial. — Test, Trial. Trial is the wider term; test is a searching and decisive trial. It is derived from the Latin testa (earthen pot), which term was early applied to the fining pot, or crucible, in which metals are melted for trial and refinement. Hence the peculiar force of the word, as indicating a trial or criterion of the most decisive kind. I leave him to your gracious acceptance, whose trial shall better publish his commediation. Shak. Thy virtue, prince, has stood the test of fortune, Like purest gold, that tortured in the furnace, Comes out more bright, and brings forth all its weight. Addison.
TEST
Test, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tested; p. pr. & vb. n. Testing.]
1. (Metal.)
Defn: To refine, as gold or silver, in a test, or cupel; to subject to cupellation.
2. To put to the proof; to prove the truth, genuineness, or quality of by experiment, or by some principle or standard; to try; as, to test the soundness of a principle; to test the validity of an argument. Experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution. Washington.
3. (Chem.)
Defn: To examine or try, as by the use of some reagent; as, to test a solution by litmus paper.
TEST
Test, n. Etym: [L. testis. Cf. Testament, Testify.]
Defn: A witness. [Obs.] Prelates and great lords of England, who were for the more surety tests of that deed. Ld. Berners.
TEST
Test, v. i. Etym: [L. testari. See Testament.]