First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1test
noun \ˈtest\
Definition of TEST
1
a chiefly British : cupel b (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 c : an ordeal or oath required as proof of conformity with a set of beliefs
2
a : a means of testing: as (1) : a procedure, reaction, or reagent used to identify or characterize a substance or constituent (2) : something (as a series of questions or exercises) for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group b : a positive result in such a test
3
: a result or value determined by testing
4
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Origin of TEST
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
Other Education Terms
2test
adjective
Definition of TEST
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a test
2
: subjected to, used for, or revealed by testing <a test group> <test data>
First Known Use of TEST
1687
Other Education Terms
3test
verb
: 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.
Full Definition of TEST
transitive verb1
: to put to test or proof : try —often used with out
2
: to require a doctrinal oath of
intransitive verb
1
a : 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·abil·i·ty \ˌtes-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— test·able \ˈtes-tə-bəl\ adjective
— test the waters also test the water
: to make a preliminary test or survey (as of reaction or interest) before embarking on a course of action
See test defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TEST
1748
4test
noun
Definition of TEST
: an external hard or firm covering (as a shell) of many invertebrates (as a foraminifer or a mollusk)
Origin of TEST
Latin testa shell
First Known Use: circa 1842
Test
abbreviation
TEST Defined for Kids
1test
noun \ˈtest\
Definition of TEST for Kids
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>
Word History of TEST
The English word test first meant “a small bowl used in analyzing metals.” It came from a Latin word testum that meant “a bowl or pot made of clay.” The bowl called a test was used to examine things. That is why the word test came to mean “examination.”
2test
verb
test·edtest·ing
Definition of TEST for Kids
1
: to measure a person's knowledge, intelligence, or skills
2
: to find out the nature, quality, or value of something
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