assay (n.)

  1. an appraisal of the state of affairs; they made an assay of the contents; a check on its dependability under stress

    [ Syn: check ]

  2. a substance that is undergoing an analysis of its components

  3. a written report of the results of an analysis of the composition of some substance

  4. a quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components; frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.

    assay (v.)

  1. analyze (chemical substances)

  2. make an effort or attempt; He tried to shake off his fears; The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps; The police attempted to stop the thief; He sought to improve himself; She always seeks to do good in the world

    [ Syn: try , seek , attempt , essay ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
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