assay Definition
- 1to test or analyze something, especially a substance, to determine its composition or quality
- 2an analysis or examination of something
Using assay: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "assay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The lab will assay the sample for impurities.
Example
The company is assaying the market for potential customers.
Example
The miner assayed the rock for gold content.
Example
The assay showed that the drug was effective in treating the disease.
assay Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with assay
a method of assaying ores and minerals by heating them to high temperatures to release the metal content
Example
The fire assay revealed a high concentration of gold in the ore sample.
Example
The gold bar was stamped with the mark of the assay office to indicate its purity.
a test used to determine the biological activity or potency of a substance
Example
The bioassay showed that the new drug was effective in killing cancer cells.
Origins of assay
from Old French 'assaier', meaning 'to try'
Summary: assay in Brief
The verb 'assay' [əˈseɪ] means to test or analyze something, especially a substance, to determine its composition or quality. It can also refer to an analysis or examination of something. Examples include 'The lab will assay the sample for impurities.' and 'The miner assayed the rock for gold content.' Phrases like 'fire assay' and 'assay office' denote specific contexts of assaying, while 'bioassay' refers to a test used to determine the biological activity or potency of a substance.
