noun
Uncommon
assay
a-SAY
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.”
noun
1
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."
verb
1
To carry out such a test on a substance, especially an ore or metal.
"The samples were assayed for gold content."
How to use assay
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA test of what something is made of, or how pure it is.
When to use it
Technical — chemistry, mining, medicine and biology.
Easily confused with
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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, check, seek, try.
