assay
Assay (noun) means a test that determines the composition or purity of a substance, or the potency of a drug or biological sample. Example: “A blood assay confirmed the result.”
How to use assay
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA test of what something is made of, or how pure it is.
Technical — chemistry, mining, medicine and biology.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A blood _____ confirmed the result.
Etymology
From Old French "assai," a trial or test, related to "essai" (attempt) — the same root that gives English "essay".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for assay
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of assay?
"assay" (noun) means a test that determines the composition or purity of a substance, or the potency of a drug or biological sample.
What is another word for assay?
Other words for "assay" include test, analysis, examination.