1test 
/ˈtɛst/ noun
plural tests /ˈtɛst/ noun [count] 1 : a set of questions or problems that are designed to measure a person's knowledge, skills, or abilities
▪ She is studying for her math/spelling/history test. ▪ I passed/failed/flunked my biology test. ▪ The teacher sat at his desk grading tests. ▪ a driver's/driving test [=a test that is used to see if someone is able to safely drive a car] ▪ an IQ test ▪ test questions ▪ The test will be on [=the questions on the test will be about] the first three chapters of the book. ▪ We took/had a test on European capitals. = (Brit) We did a test on European capitals. ▪ The college relies on test scores in its admissions process. — see also intelligence test, rorschach test, screen test 2 a : a careful study of a part of the body or of a substance taken from the body
▪ The test showed/revealed a problem with your liver function. ▪ a vision/hearing test [=a test that shows how well you see/hear] ▪ a urine test [=a test that examines a person's urine for evidence of disease or illegal drugs] ▪ allergy tests [=tests that show what you are allergic to] ▪ All applicants must pass a drug test. [=a test that examines a person's blood or urine for evidence of illegal drugs] ▪ The doctor will call you with the test results. ▪ They went to the drug store to buy a pregnancy test. [=a device that reacts to a woman's urine in a way that shows whether or not she is pregnant] ▪ a DNA test [=a test that examines DNA and that is used to identify someone or to show that people are relatives] — see also blood test, breath test, stress test
b : a careful study of a small amount of water, soil, air, etc., in order to see if its quality is good, to find out if it contains a dangerous substance, etc.
▪ The test indicated high levels of lead in the soil. ▪ routine water tests 3 : a planned and usually controlled act or series of acts that is done to learn something, to see if something works properly, etc.
▪ lab/laboratory tests ▪ underground nuclear tests ▪ a test of a new vaccine ▪ Taste tests revealed that people prefer this brand of cola over that one. — often used before another noun ▪ As participants in the sleep study, test subjects will be kept awake for 18 hours. ▪ The effects of the drug were clear when the test group was compared with the control group. — see also road test 4 : something (such as a difficult situation or task) that shows how strong or skilled someone or something is
▪ a test of will/strength/character ▪ The real/true test of your ability as a skier is whether you can ski well on very hard snow. — see also acid test, litmus test 5 Brit, sports : test match
▪ She is studying for her math/spelling/history test. ▪ I passed/failed/flunked my biology test. ▪ The teacher sat at his desk grading tests. ▪ a driver's/driving test [=a test that is used to see if someone is able to safely drive a car] ▪ an IQ test ▪ test questions ▪ The test will be on [=the questions on the test will be about] the first three chapters of the book. ▪ We took/had a test on European capitals. = (Brit) We did a test on European capitals. ▪ The college relies on test scores in its admissions process. — see also intelligence test, rorschach test, screen test
▪ The test showed/revealed a problem with your liver function. ▪ a vision/hearing test [=a test that shows how well you see/hear] ▪ a urine test [=a test that examines a person's urine for evidence of disease or illegal drugs] ▪ allergy tests [=tests that show what you are allergic to] ▪ All applicants must pass a drug test. [=a test that examines a person's blood or urine for evidence of illegal drugs] ▪ The doctor will call you with the test results. ▪ They went to the drug store to buy a pregnancy test. [=a device that reacts to a woman's urine in a way that shows whether or not she is pregnant] ▪ a DNA test [=a test that examines DNA and that is used to identify someone or to show that people are relatives] — see also blood test, breath test, stress test
b : a careful study of a small amount of water, soil, air, etc., in order to see if its quality is good, to find out if it contains a dangerous substance, etc.
▪ The test indicated high levels of lead in the soil. ▪ routine water tests
▪ lab/laboratory tests ▪ underground nuclear tests ▪ a test of a new vaccine ▪ Taste tests revealed that people prefer this brand of cola over that one. — often used before another noun ▪ As participants in the sleep study, test subjects will be kept awake for 18 hours. ▪ The effects of the drug were clear when the test group was compared with the control group. — see also road test
▪ a test of will/strength/character ▪ The real/true test of your ability as a skier is whether you can ski well on very hard snow. — see also acid test, litmus test
put (someone or something) to the test
: to cause (someone or something) to be in a situation that shows how strong, good, etc., that person or thing really is
▪ The team has been playing well so far, but tomorrow's game will really put them to the test. [=will really test them] ▪ A trip through the desert will put the truck to the test. ▪ We decided to put the idea/theory to the test [=to test the theory] with a little experiment.
▪ The team has been playing well so far, but tomorrow's game will really put them to the test. [=will really test them] ▪ A trip through the desert will put the truck to the test. ▪ We decided to put the idea/theory to the test [=to test the theory] with a little experiment.
stand the test of time
: to continue to be important, respected, etc., for a long period of time
▪ Great art/literature/music can stand the test of time.
▪ Great art/literature/music can stand the test of time.
test of (your) character — see character
— see also high-test, means test
