Assay
/əˈseɪ/noun
To test or analyze a substance, especially to determine its composition, purity, or value.
Did you know?Medieval and early modern assayers tested coins and ores for precious-metal content, making the assay a practical instrument of economic trust and alchemical ambition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ag-
“To drive, move, or do; a root that produced many Latin words involving action and forcing something to a result.”
Classical Latin
Latin
exigere
“To drive out, demand, measure, or weigh accurately.”
Late Latin
Latin
exagium
“A weighing or standard for weighing, especially a precise measurement.”
Old French
Old French
assai / essai
“A trial, test, or examination.”
Anglo-French
Anglo-French
assay
“A trial or examination, including testing the quality of metals.”
Middle English
English
assayen
“To test, examine, or attempt.”
Modern English
English
assay
“To analyze or test a substance, particularly for purity, composition, or value.”