assay

Meanings

Noun

• Trial, attempt.
• Examination and determination; test.
• The qualitative or quantitative chemical analysis of something.
• Trial by danger or by affliction; adventure; risk; hardship; state of being tried.
• Tested purity or value.
• The act or process of ascertaining the proportion of a particular metal in an ore or alloy; especially, the determination of the proportion of gold or silver in bullion or coin.
• The alloy or metal to be assayed..

Verb

• To attempt (something).
• To try, attempt (to do something).
• To analyze or estimate the composition or value of (a metal, ore etc.).
• To test the abilities of (someone) in combat; to fight.
• To affect.
• To try tasting, as food or drink.

Origin

• From Middle English assay and assayen, from Anglo-Norman assai and Anglo-Norman assaier, from Old French essai. essay.