assay
vb
1 to subject (a substance, such as silver or gold) to chemical analysis, as in the determination of the amount of impurity
2 tr to attempt (something or to do something)
3 tr; may take a clause as object to test, analyse, or evaluate
to assay the significance of early childhood experience
n
a an analysis, esp. a determination of the amount of metal in an ore or the amounts of impurities in a precious metal
b (as modifier)
an assay office
5 a substance undergoing an analysis
6 a written report on the results of an analysis
8 Archaic an attempt
(C14: from Old Northern French assai; see essay)
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assayable adj
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assayer n