assay

I

(New American Roget's College Thesaurus)

v. t. test, analyze (See inquiry).

II

(Roget's IV) v.

Syn. test, measure, run tests on; see examine 1 .

III

(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus)

I

n.

examination, test, analysis, probe, investigation, assessment.

II

v.

examine, test, analyze, probe, investigate, assess.

IV

(Roget's Thesaurus II) I noun 1. A procedure that ascertains effectiveness, value, proper function, or other quality: essay, proof, test, trial, tryout. See INVESTIGATE. 2. Archaic. A trying to do or make something: attempt, crack, effort, endeavor, essay, go, offer, stab, trial, try. Informal: shot. Slang: take. II verb 1. To subject to a procedure that ascertains effectiveness, value, proper function, or other quality: check, essay, examine, prove, test, try, try out. Idioms: bring to the test, make trial of, put to the proof (or test). See INVESTIGATE. 2. To make a judgment as to the worth or value of: appraise, assess, calculate, estimate, evaluate, gauge, judge, rate1, size up, valuate, value. Idiom: take the measure of. See VALUE. 3. To make an attempt to do or make: attempt, endeavor, essay, seek, strive, try. Idioms: have a go at, have (or make or take) a shot at, have (or take) a whack at, make a stab at, take a crack at. See TRY.