test

A procedure or examination used to measure knowledge, skill, quality, or the presence of a substance.

• Students spent the entire morning reviewing their notes before the final chemistry test.

• Did the lab send back the results from your blood test yet?

A difficult situation that reveals how strong, capable, or patient someone or something really is.

• The prolonged power outage was a major test of the hospital's emergency backup systems.

• Managing this difficult merger will be a real test for the new executive team.

To examine or evaluate something to determine its quality, performance, reliability, or composition.

• Engineers test the braking system under extreme weather conditions before manufacturing begins.

• Have they tested the drinking water for heavy metals?

To put a severe strain on someone's patience, endurance, or resources.

• Handling nonstop complaints all afternoon really tested her patience with the customer service department.

• The sudden spike in inflation will test the resilience of many small businesses.

To get a particular result on a medical or scientific test.

• Two players tested positive for the flu last week.

• Did your sample test negative?