Exam
/ɪɡˈzæm/noun
A test of knowledge or skill.
Did you know?Exam is a shortened form of examination, ultimately from Latin exāmināre, originally meaning to weigh or test carefully, from exāmen, a swarm of bees or the tongue of a balance — a vivid image of judgment by balance.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
exāmen
“a swarm of bees; the tongue or beam of a balance”
Latin
Latin
exāmināre
“to weigh, test, or examine carefully”
14th Century
Middle English
examinacioun
“an inquiry, investigation, or test”
16th Century
English
examen
“a formal test or scrutiny”
Modern English
English
exam
“a shortened form of examination meaning a test of knowledge or skill”