experiment meaning as verb

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Definition of experiment

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of experiment  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

• experimentation

Examples of experiment in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'experiment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, "testing, proof, remedy," borrowed from Anglo-French esperiment, borrowed from Latin experīmentum "testing, experience, proof," from experīrī "to put to the test, attempt, have experience of, undergo" + -mentum -ment — more at experience entry 1

verbal derivative of experiment entry 1

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing experiment

• control experiment
• controlled experiment
• experiment station
• pre - experiment
• thought experiment

Articles Related to experiment

This is the Difference Between a...

This is the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory

In scientific reasoning, they're two completely different things

Dictionary Entries Near experiment

experiential time

experimental

Cite this Entry

“Experiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/experiment. Accessed 4 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of experiment.

Kids Definition of experiment  (Entry 2 of 2)

Medical Definition

Medical definition of experiment.

Medical Definition of experiment  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on experiment

Nglish: Translation of experiment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of experiment for Arabic Speakers

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Definition of experiment verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• After experimenting at Columbia University, he realized that fission was the key to releasing nuclear energy.
• experiment on somebody/something Some people feel that experimenting on animals is wrong.
• They experimented successfully on the plants to discover disease-resistant varieties.
• experiment with something The country had secretly experimented with biological weapons for years.
• successfully
• continue to

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Meaning of experiment in English

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• Don't forget to try out the equipment before setting up the experiment.
• In the second experiment they obtained a very clear result .
• For the experiment to be valid , it is essential to record the data accurately .
• The experiments were conducted by scientists in New York.
• Our experiment worked better than we could have expected , and soon the baby was happy to sleep in her own bed .
• as an experiment
• background check
• experimental
• experimentally
• experimentation
• experimenter
• put someone/something through their/its paces idiom
• put something to the test idiom
• reinspection
• try something out
• uncheckable
• welfare check
• The young film-makers were given free rein to experiment with new themes and techniques .
• I like to experiment with different light filters on my camera .
• For a while the poet experimented with the idea of chanting his poems to music .
• The artist experimented with different pigments and mediums , often with disastrous results .
• I'd be very nervous about letting a trainee hairdresser experiment with my hair .

Related word

Experiment | intermediate english, examples of experiment, collocations with experiment.

These are words often used in combination with experiment .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of experiment

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Word of the Day

put something off

to decide or arrange to delay an event or activity until a later time or date

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

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[ noun ik- sper - uh -m uh nt ; verb ek- sper - uh -ment ]

a chemical experiment; a teaching experiment; an experiment in living.

a product that is the result of long experiment.

Synonyms: investigation , research

• Obsolete. experience .

verb (used without object)

to experiment with a new procedure.

• a test or investigation, esp one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis: a scientific experiment
• the act of conducting such an investigation or test; experimentation; research

a poetic experiment

• an obsolete word for experience
• intr to make an experiment or experiments

/ ĭk-spĕr ′ ə-mənt /

• A test or procedure carried out under controlled conditions to determine the validity of a hypothesis or make a discovery.
• See Note at hypothesis

Derived Forms

• exˈperiˌmenter , noun

Other Words From

• ex·peri·menter ex·peri·mentor ex·peri·men·tator noun
• preex·peri·ment noun
• proex·peri·ment adjective
• reex·peri·ment verb (used without object) noun
• unex·peri·mented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of experiment 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

IBM hopes that a platform like RoboRXN could dramatically speed up that process by predicting the recipes for compounds and automating experiments.

The hope there is for improved sensitivity in searches for dark matter or experiments that might reveal some long-sought flaws in our standard model of particle physics.

The experiment represents early progress toward the possible development of an ultra-secure communications network beamed from space.

The new experiment represents, however, the first time scientists have applied machine learning to “validation,” a further step toward confirming results that involves additional statistical calculation.

At first, the sites amounted to experiments on the outer edges of the crypto universe, but in 2020 they have started to attract real money.

To put it rather uncharitably, the USPHS practiced a major dental experiment on a city full of unconsenting subjects.

If the noble experiment of American democracy is to mean anything, it is fidelity to the principle of freedom.

A classroom experiment seeks to demonstrate what it looks like.

This video, courtesy of BuzzFeed, tries a bit of an experiment to get some answers.

In the fall of 1992, Booker became a vegetarian “as an experiment,” he said, “and I was surprised by how much my body took to it.”

With Bacon, experientia does not always mean observation; and may mean either experience or experiment.

I made the experiment two years ago, and all my experience since has corroborated the conclusion then arrived at.

But this is quite enough to justify the inconsiderable expense which the experiment I urge would involve.

He commenced to experiment in electro-pneumatics in the year 1860, and early in 1861 communicated his discoveries to Mr. Barker.

Readers will doubtless be familiar with the well-known experiment illustrating this point.

Related Words

• examination
• experimentation
• observation
• undertaking

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experiment verb

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What does the verb experiment mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb experiment , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

This word is used in Indian English.

How common is the verb experiment ?

How is the verb experiment pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the verb experiment come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the verb experiment is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for experiment is from 1481, in a translation by William Caxton, printer, merchant, and diplomat.

It is also recorded as a noun from the Middle English period (1150—1500).

experiment is formed within English, by conversion.

Etymons: experiment n.

Nearby entries

• experiency, n. 1556
• experient, adj. & n. ?1440–
• experiential, adj. 1658–
• experientialism, n. 1865–
• experientialist, n. 1866–
• experientially, adv. 1647–
• experiential philosopher, n. 1866–
• experiential philosophy, n. 1848–
• experiently, adv. 1473–1849
• experiment, n. a1382–
• experiment, v. 1481–
• experimental, adj. & n. c1449–
• experimental archaeology | experimental archeology, n. 1961–
• experimental farm, n. 1739–
• experimentalism, n. 1808–
• experimentalist, n. & adj. 1677–
• experimentalize, v. 1751–
• experimentalizer, n. 1831–
• experimentalizing, n. 1809–1929
• experimentally, adv. a1460–
• experimental method, n. 1676–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for experiment, v..

experiment, v. was revised in March 2024.

experiment, v. was last modified in June 2024.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into experiment, v. in June 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1894)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

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Citation details

Factsheet for experiment, v., browse entry.

Online Language Dictionaries

'; audChoice = audChoice.replace(/ selected=["']selected["']/gm, '');var audT = document.getElementById('audT');if ((audT) && (audPref)) { //Parse the content if(audPref.indexOf(':') > -1) { var audPrefAccent = audPref.split(':')[0]; var playbackRate = audPref.split(':')[1]; } else { var audPrefAccent = audPref; var playbackRate = 1; } var re = new RegExp('( UK and possibly other pronunciations : /ɪkˈspɛr mənt/, : /ɪkˈspɛr mənt/ /ɪkˈspɛr mɛnt/ USA pronunciation: IPA/ ɪkˈspɛrəmənt; -ˌmɛnt/ US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling( ik sper ə mənt; ek sper ə ment′) | | | | | | | WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024 ex•per•i•ment   ɪkˈspɛrəmənt; -ˌmɛnt/USA pronunciation  n.  ]a laboratory experiment. ]to prove by experiment. v.  ~ + with + object]The chemist was experimenting with the formula.[~ + on + object]The scientists experimented on two groups of subjects. , adj.  adv.      n. [ ] WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024 ex•per•i•ment    ik sper ə mənt;v. ek sper ə ment′),USA pronunciation n.  a teaching experiment;an experiment in living. Obs.]experience. v.i.  See experience, -ment i•ment′er, ex•per i•men′tor, ex•per i•men•ta′tor, n.  See    research, investigation. n /ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/ vb /ɪkˈspɛrɪˌmɛnt/ ) to make an experiment or experimentsEtymology: 14th Century: from Latin proof, trial, from to test; see experience n ' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations): - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , , , , , , , an experiment [kit, set] (for his birthday), the experiment [findings, results], a [medical, chemical, scientific, physical, laboratory, nuclear] experiment, Forum discussions with the word(s) "experiment" in the title: Go to page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks. In other languages: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Advertisements Advertisements use for the fastest search of WordReference. © 2024 WordReference.com any problems. Look up a word, learn it forever. Other forms: experiments; experimenting; experimented If you see your science-loving neighbor headed home with a power cord, a handful of test tubes, a stopwatch, and a bag of potatoes, there’s probably no need to be alarmed. There’s a good chance he’s only conducting an experiment , a scientific test conducted under controlled conditions. To refer to a scientific test, use the noun experiment . If you want to describe the work done in conducting such a test, experiment will do the trick as well, since it can also act as a verb, as in "scientists experiment with helium." You can also use it more generally to describe trying a new method or idea. For example, you could experiment with a new hairstyle or different routes to get to school or work. noun the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation synonyms: experimentation see more see less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... testing the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works trial and error experimenting until a solution is found Michelson-Morley experiment a celebrated experiment conducted by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley; their failure to detect any influence of the earth's motion on the velocity of light was the starting point for Einstein's theory of relativity control experiment an experiment designed to control for variables affecting the results of another experiment type of: research project , scientific research research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses noun the testing of an idea “it was an experiment in living” synonyms: experimentation see more see less types: show 7 types... hide 7 types... pilot experiment a preliminary experiment whose outcome can lead to a more extensive experiment test , trial , trial run , tryout trying something to find out about it field test , field trial a test of the performance of some new product under the conditions in which it will be used alpha test (computer science) a first test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by the developer beta test (computer science) a second test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by an outside organization road test a test to insure that a vehicle is roadworthy trial balloon a test of public opinion type of: enquiry , inquiry , research a search for knowledge noun a venture at something new or different “as an experiment he decided to grow a beard” see more see less type of: venture any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome verb conduct a test or investigation “We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease” synonyms: try out try something new, as in order to gain experience see more see less type of: investigate , look into investigate scientifically verb try something new, as in order to gain experience “The composer experimented with a new style” synonyms: try out Vocabulary lists containing experiment How can you perform well on the reading section of the SAT if you don’t fully understand the language being used in the directions and in the questions? Learn this list of 25 words that are based on our analysis of the words likely to appear in question stems, answer options, and test directions. Following our Roadmap to the SAT ? Head back to see what else you should be learning this week. How can you perform well on the new reading section of the SAT if you don’t fully understand the language being used in the directions and in the questions? Learn this list of 150 words that are based on our analysis of the words likely to appear in question stems, answer options and test directions. Here are all of our word lists to help you prepare for the new SAT (debuting March of 2016): The Language of the Test , Multiple-Meaning Words , and Words to Capture Tone . Sign up now (it’s free!) Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.. 180 COMMENTS Experiment Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster 1. a. : test, trial. make another experiment of his suspicion William Shakespeare. b. : a tentative procedure or policy. c. : an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law. 2. obsolete : experience. 3. EXPERIMENT | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary EXPERIMENT definition: 1. a test done in order to learn something or to discover if something works or is true: 2. to try…. Learn more. experiment verb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and ... Definition of experiment verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. EXPERIMENT | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary EXPERIMENT meaning: 1. a test done in order to learn something or to discover if something works or is true: 2. to try…. Learn more. EXPERIMENT definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary An experiment is the trying out of a new idea or method in order to see what it is like and what effects it has. As an experiment, we bought Ted a watch. ...the country's five year experiment in democracy. EXPERIMENT Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com Experiment definition: a test, trial, or tentative procedure; an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc.. See examples of EXPERIMENT used in a sentence. experiment verb - Oxford English Dictionary What does the verb experiment mean? There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb experiment , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. EXPERIMENT - Find out everything about this English word ... An experiment is a scientific test which is done to discover what happens to something in particular conditions. experiment - WordReference.com Dictionary of English an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc.: a chemical experiment; a teaching experiment; an experiment in living. Experiment - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com noun. a venture at something new or different. “as an experiment he decided to grow a beard” see more. verb. conduct a test or investigation. “We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease” synonyms: try out. try something new, as in order to gain experience. see more. verb. try something new, as in order to gain experience. essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study thesis