Assay - Definition

n 1: an appraisal of the state of affairs; "they made an assay
of the contents"; "a check on its dependability under
stress" [syn: assay, 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.
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, assay]