assay
8 synonyms for assay, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A test that determines the composition or purity of a substance, or the potency of a drug or biological sample.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A test that determines the composition or purity of a substance, or the potency of a drug or biological sample.
“A blood assay confirmed the result.”
Etymology
From Old French "assai," a trial or test, related to "essai" (attempt) — the same root that gives English "essay".
Full origin of assay →Frequently asked questions
What does assay mean?
To test a substance to find out what it contains or how pure it is — commonly used of ores, metals and, in medicine and biology, of samples and drugs.
What is the difference between assay and essay?
They share a root meaning "attempt". An assay is a test of composition or purity; an essay is a piece of writing. Assay is stressed on the second syllable: a-SAY.
