English vocabulary · C1
Assay
/əˈseɪ/ · v., n.
To assay something is to find out what is inside it and how much of each part it has. The result tells you if it is safe.
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Example sentences
- Workers assayed ore before mining began.
- The lab assayed blood for the drug.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- assai — test (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- TEST — check against a rule (General Check)
- ANALYZE — study each part (Detailed Parts)
- EXAMINE — look at with care (Careful Look)
Words with the same root
assai — test
- essay — a short piece of writing
Lesson notes
To assay something is to find out what is inside it and how much of each part it has. The result tells you if it is safe.
Related: test, analyze, examine. Use assay when a sample needs a test.
Workers assayed ore before mining began. The lab assayed blood for the drug.
From Old French. Assai means test. English assay is a test that shows what is inside.