experimentn.
/ᵻkˈspɛrᵻm(ə)nt/, /ɛkˈspɛrᵻm(ə)nt/, U.S. /ɪkˈspɛrəmənt/, /ɛkˈspɛrəmənt/ 1. † b. An expedient or remedy to be tried. Obsolete.
a. The action of trying anything, or putting it to proof; a test, trial; esp. in phrases, to make (an) experiment, †to take (an) experiment. Const. of. Now somewhat archaic, and conveying some notion of sense 3.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > [noun]
fandingc1000
taste1377
experimenta1382
experience1393
probationc1422
trial1526
test1594
verification1603
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > [noun]
fandingc1000
costningOE
assay1330
say?c1335
assayingc1375
experimenta1382
proofc1390
experience1393
tastinga1400
probationc1422
probe?a1425
approof1436
fraistingc1440
examination?1510
saying1512
approving1523
trial1526
test1594
approbationa1616
trya1616
proval1622
tempting1623
probatea1643
experimental1659
testinga1834
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) Gen. xlii. 15 Now experyment [a1425 L.V. experience] of ȝou I schall take.
1542 N. Udall in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) 7 Oons again to take experimente of me.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. ii. 30 To make another experiment of his suspition.
1618 G. Wither Wither's Motto (1633) 533 I want not much experiment to show That all is good God pleaseth to bestow.
1691 T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 6 The making the first Experiment thereof at Portsmouth.
1758 S. Johnson Idler 22 Apr. 17 He may..make a cheap experiment of his abilities.
1778 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 241 The thing was worth the experiment.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. iii. 99 A short experiment of resistance.
1847 R. W. Emerson Napoleon in Wks. (1906) I. 381 Here was an experiment..of the powers of intellect without conscience.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > [noun] > (a) means > available means or a resource > a device, contrivance, or expedient > to be tried
experiment1584
1584 T. Cogan Hauen of Health cxx. 106 The water..is giuen to drinke..as a certaine experiment.
1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden lxxviii You will find it a sure Experiment for the Quinsey.
1676 M. Lister in J. Ray Corr. (1848) 124 The vinegar..from Gallium luteum, which I have tried, and is a rare experiment.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 145 At length I found out an Experiment for that also, which was this, [etc.].
2. A tentative procedure; a method, system of things, or course of action, adopted in uncertainty whether it will answer the purpose.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > [noun] > an experiment
experiencec1384
adventurec1405
conclusion1430
experiment1594
essay1605
specimen1610
tentative1632
periclitation1658
tentamen1673
say-hand1712
try-out1903
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits xv. §4. 307 Let him..cause some shepheards to try this experiment.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 141 It is good..not to try Experiments in States.
1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 62 in Sylva Begin again in ten or twelve days..to make Experiments.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People viii. 582 Puritanism..as a political experiment..had ended in utter failure.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 72 The experiment had never been tried of reasoning with mankind.
3. An action or operation undertaken in order to discover something unknown, to test a hypothesis, or establish or illustrate some known truth.† c. The object experimented on; the subject of an experiment. Obsolete. rare.
a. in science.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > systematic knowledge, science > [noun] > scientific procedure > experiment
experiment1362
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. xi. 157 Experimentis of Alconomye Of Alberdes makynge, Nigromancye and perimancie.
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. (MS. A.) 7 Confermynge my wordis..wiþ experiment þat I have longe tyme used.
1471 G. Ripley Compound of Alchymy in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 189 Many Experyments I have had in hond.
1594 Plat (title) Diverse new and conceited Experiments from which there may be sundrie both pleasing and profitable uses drawne.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding iv. xii. 326 A Man accustomed to rational and regular Experiments, shall be able [etc.].
1717 J. Keill Ess. Animal Oecon. (ed. 2) 82 An Observation or Experiment carefully made..leads us with greater Certainty to the Solution.
1846 W. R. Grove On Correlation Physical Forces 25 If the experiment be performed in a close vessel..the substance forming the electrodes is condensed.
b. gen. (transferred).
ΚΠ
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. vii. 12 The gathering of principles out of their owne particular experiments.
1750 Hume Lib. & Necess. 134 These records of wars [etc.] are so many collections of experiments, by which the politician..fixes the principles of his science.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > [noun] > that which is experimented on or with > one who is experimented on
experimenta1678
experimentized1832
experimentee1890
laboratory animal?1891
guinea pig1920
lab rat1979
a1678 A. Marvell Let. Sir J. Trott in Wks. (1776) I. 431 Where you yourselves are the experiment.
4.
a. The process or practice of conducting such operations; experimentation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > [noun]
fandingOE
fanda1325
saya1393
assayc1450
trial1570
examen1609
experimentation1674
experiment1678
examination1819
tâtonnement1847
tentative1865
adventurism1923
1678 R. Russel tr. Jabir ibn Haiyan Wks. Geber iii. ii. i. viii. 161 This is proved by Experiment.
1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. ii. 31 This Sort of Observation is call'd Experiment.
1794 J. Hutton Diss. Philos. Light 117 Experiment is the wise design of a scientific mind, inquiring after the order of events.
1830 J. F. W. Herschel Prelim. Disc. Study Nat. Philos. 76 By putting in action causes and agents over which we have control, and purposely varying their combinations, and noticing what effect takes place; this is experiment.
a1862 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. (1869) III. v. 462 Experiment..is merely experience artificially modified.
b. concrete. Experimental apparatus.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > systematic knowledge, science > [noun] > scientific procedure > experiment > equipment for
apparatus1728
experiment1962
1962 F. I. Ordway et al. Basic Astronautics iv. 128 The solar particle experiment includes six solid-state, semiconductor devices.
1967 Lebende Sprachen 12 161/1 Experiment wissen-schaftliche Apparatur(en), Messgerät(e). The experiment will measure the distribution of oxygen in the atmosphere.
1969 New Yorker 12 Apr. 104/3 The three pots are the passive seismic experiment, the solar-wind experiment, and the suprathermal-ion-detector.
1969 New Yorker 12 Apr. 110/3 A small stool..for the experiment to sit on.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > familiarity > [noun] > with a subject, skill
insightc1175
practice1504
sight1530
experiment1575
discourse1589
practic1592
expertness1659
experimentals1748
sophistication1915
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus ii. f. 29 He thairof had na experiment.
1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. N1v Of his..good behauiour [I] haue had sounde and large experiment.
1647 J. Howell New Vol. of Lett. 230 I know by some experiments which I have had of you.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) Pref. p. iv I speak from Experiment.
1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero (ed. 3) II. vii. 255 This first experiment of Caesar's clemency.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > [noun] > exemplifying some rule, activity, quality, etc. > serving to confirm or illustrate
samplec1380
experimenta1530
experimental1664
test1773
exampling1881
a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. CCixv By apparicyons & many argumentes & experymentes..he appered to his discyples.
1578 T. Tymme tr. J. Calvin Comm. Genesis 264 This is a true experiment of our obedience.
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1634) 302 I will give you an experiment of it; you shall see two notable examples of it.
1684 tr. Eutropius Breviary Rom. Hist. vii. 177 [He] could not shew any experiment of himself..for..when he was beat in a skirmish..He kill'd him self.
Compounds
experiment farm n. an institution provided with means for carrying out scientific research into methods of agriculture, etc.
ΚΠ
1893 J. Auld Picturesque Burlington 128 State Experiment Farm, including farm house, barn, creamery, [etc.].
1905 Daily Chron. 28 Aug. 4/4 I have seen a crop of 100 bushels of oats growing on one of the experiment farms in Canada.
experiment station n. = experiment farm n.
ΚΠ
1874 Connecticut Bd. Agric. Rep. 66 The establishment of experiment stations.
1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 4 Apr. 3/1 The most careful investigations at many of the experiment stations show that not only are all traces of the poisons removed before the fruit ripens, but [etc.].
1964 Economist 19 Dec. 1352/1 Their [sc. the Americans'] research departments or ‘experiment stations’.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
experimentv.
/ᵻkˈspɛrᵻm(ə)nt/, /ɛkˈspɛrᵻm(ə)nt/, /ᵻkˈspɛrᵻmɛnt/, /ɛkˈspɛrᵻmɛnt/, U.S. /ɪkˈspɛrəmənt/, /ɪkˈspɛrəˌmɛnt/, /ɛkˈspɛrəmənt/, /ɛkˈspɛrəˌmɛnt/ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > operation upon something > have effect on [verb (transitive)] > be subjected to or undergo an action > undergo or experience
feelOE
seeOE
passa1325
provec1330
attastec1374
wielda1375
tastec1380
sufferc1390
to pass through ——c1400
expert?a1475
traverse1477
experiment1484
savour1509
to taste of1526
to go through ——1535
sustain1575
approve1578
try1578
experience1588
undergo1600
to run through ——1602
pree1806
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > experience > [verb (transitive)]
haveeOE
cuneOE
supOE
yfeeleOE
afondOE
canOE
seeOE
knowc1175
provea1200
feelc1225
passa1325
fraistc1330
wielda1375
wita1450
experiment1484
approve1578
experiencea1586
resent1595
fand-
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope 3 And these thynges sene and experymented Esope retourned to his labour.
1503 tr. Kalendayr Shyppars lii He shall..experyment evill fortunes.
a1577 G. Gascoigne Wks. (1587) Ep. But a man of middle yeares who hath to his cost experimented the vanities of youth.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxv. sig. N Hauing so often experimented his Iugling.
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (iii. 7 Paraphr.) 23 Thy fatherly mercy..so often experimented by me.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. viii. 86 Having experimented the Turkish wholesom Chastisements of plundring and bastonading.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > try, test [verb (transitive)]
cuneOE
afondOE
found1340
searcha1382
experiment1481
experience1541
probe1542
try1545
invent1548
sound1589
to bring or put to the test1594
plumb1599
to feel out1600
essay1656
test1748
plumb-line1875
to try out1888
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. v. 22 Til they had experimented whiche was trewe, and who knewe most.
1561 J. Hollybush tr. H. Brunschwig Most Excellent Homish Apothecarye f. 27 Thys helpeth very well and is experimented.
1564 N. Haward tr. Eutropius Briefe Chron. ii. sig. E.iiiv They had..experimented that they wer of great force upon the sea.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius A iv The greater part..we have allready experimented to be accomplished in these our dayes.
1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. iii. v. 50 This I..experimented by exposing a couple of Goats to the Asperity thereof.
1755 B. Martin Mag. Arts & Sci. iii. xi. 381 That may be easily experimented in a small Bird.
1812 R. Southey Omniana I. cxxxvii. 258 What is more wonderful, and.. may be experimented every day.
3. To make an experiment upon, make trial of, test, try (? a gallicism).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > make experiment of or with [verb (transitive)]
afondc1300
assailc1300
found1340
assay1377
taste1382
experiment1524
experience1541
try1545
attempt1563
practise1632
explore1667
experimentate1670
to taste of1700
to try out1888
to try (something)(on) for size1979
fand-
1524 T. Wolsey Let. to Pace in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) I. App. xii. 24 The said viceroy [of Naples] wolde..experiment batail with the..French king.
1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount (1568) 42 a The pouder that was experimented in England.
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits xii. 181 In experimenting of medicines, he should kill an infinit number of persons.
1692 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) II. 559 Yesterday the duke of Leinster's engine for working of wrecks was experimented on the Thames.
1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 91 I could very well experiment the strength of Mortar.
1776 J. Entick Hist. London I. 309 Several articles were proposed to be experimented, and if found good..to be confirmed.
1899 Westm. Gaz. 18 May 1/3 They are about to experiment another system, on a six months' probation.
1900 Westm. Gaz. 5 Jan. 10/1 It was he who first experimented the new battle formation of the French Army at the famous manœuvres of 1881–2.
4. intransitive. To make an experiment or experiments. Const. on; also in indirect passive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > try experiments or make experiment [verb (intransitive)]
taste1382
provec1390
assayc1394
try1573
to try conclusions1601
to give the adventure1607
experiment1787
experimentalize1800
experimentize1847
dogfood1996
1787 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Norfolk I. 366 The laudable spirit of experimenting.
1837 C. R. Goring & A. Pritchard Micrographia 193 A person who has experimented with a reflector.
1857 C. Kingsley Thoughts Gravel-pit in Misc. (1860) II. 388 The more I experiment..the more unexpected puzzles and wonders I find.
1880 Richardson in Med. Temp. Jrnl. 72 To compel those experimented on to abide by the definition.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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