a means of assessing the quality, capabilities, reliability, or endurance of somebody or something; a trial

a series of questions or exercises for measuring the knowledge, intelligence, ability, etc of an individual or group

a real-life situation that reveals the worth or quality of something or somebody by subjecting them to stress, difficulties, etc

a basis for assessment; a criterion

= test match

chiefly Brit = cupel¹

to subject (something or somebody) to a test in order to ascertain quality, capabilities, etc, to measure knowledge or intelligence, or for medical purposes

(usu + for) to use a chemical procedure to ascertain whether or not a substance or constituent is present in (something)

to subject (something) to severe strain

His obtuseness tested my patience to the limit

(usu + for) to apply a test as a means of analysis, assessment, or diagnosis

We use this exercise to test for mechanical aptitude

(usu + for) to produce a specified result, usu positive or negative, in a medical or chemical test

She tested negative for HIV