Definition of 'experiment'

experiment

Word forms: experiments, experimenting, experimentedpronunciation note: The noun is pronounced (ɪkspɛrɪmənt ). The verb is pronounced (ɪkspɛrɪmɛnt ).

1. variable noun

An experiment is a scientific test done in order to discover what happens to something in particular conditions.

The astronauts are conducting a series of experiments to learn more about how the body adapts to weightlessness.

2. intransitive verb

If you experiment with something or experiment on it, you do a scientific test on it in order to discover what happens to it in particular conditions.

In 1857 Mendel started experimenting with peas in his monastery garden.

The scientists have experimented on the tiny neck arteries of rats.

experimentation (ɪkspɛrɪmɛnteɪʃən ) uncountable noun

...the ethical aspects of animal experimentation.

3. variable noun

An experiment is the trying out of a new idea or method in order to see what it is like and what effects it has.

As an experiment, we bought Ted a watch.

4. intransitive verb

To experiment means to try out a new idea or method to see what it is like and what effects it has.

...if you like cooking and have the time to experiment.

experimentation uncountable noun

Decentralization and experimentation must be encouraged.

experiment in American English

(ɛkˈspɛrəmənt ; eksperˈəmənt; ɪkˈspɛrəmənt ; iksperˈəmənt; also, & for v. usually, ɛkˈspɛrəmɛnt ; eksperˈəment; ɪkˈspɛrəmɛnt ; iksperˈəment; often, ɛkˈspɪrəmɛnt ; ekspirˈəment; ɪkˈspɪrəmɛnt ; ikspirˈəment)

noun

a test or trial of something

; specif.,

any action or process undertaken to discover something not yet known or to demonstrate something known

any action or process designed to find out whether something is effective, workable, valid, etc.

the conducting of such tests or trials; experimentation

verb intransitive

to make an experiment or experiments

SIMILAR WORDS: ˈtrial

Derived forms

experimenter (exˈperiˌmenter)

noun

Word origin of 'experiment'

ME < OFr < L experimentum, a trial, test < experiri: see peril

experiment

noun (ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt )

a test or investigation, esp one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis: a scientific experiment

the act of conducting such an investigation or test; experimentation; research

an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original

a poetic experiment

4. an obsolete word for experience

verb (ɪkˈspɛrɪˌmɛnt )

5. (intransitive)

to make an experiment or experiments

Derived forms

experimenter (exˈperiˌmenter)

noun

Word origin of 'experiment'

C14: from Latin experīmentum proof, trial, from experīrī to test; see experience

Example sentences containing 'experiment'

What about experimenting with a company owning track and trains? Times, Sunday Times (2008)It is already experimenting with battery hybrid road cars. Times, Sunday Times (2010)What we are seeing is a bold experiment. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The list may not be confined to the military and veterans of past fitful experiments with democracy. Times, Sunday Times (2009)He used another experiment to show where the blood goes to once it has left the heart. Benjamin Woolley THE HERBALIST: Nicholas Culpeper Rebel Physician (2004)Talk to your girlfriend about making things more intense for you both by experimenting with something new. The Sun (2013)This editing process allows her to experiment with new ideas and constantly refine her tastes. Times, Sunday Times (2006)One of the nurses showed me the room where they carried out the experiments. Times, Sunday Times (2015)These are the crucial questions which only experiment can answer. Dyson, Freeman Infinite in All Directions (1989)Yet industry has sharply opposed the use of data based on experiments with animals. A Conceptual View of Human Resource Management: Strategic Objectives, Environments, FunctionsThis means experimenting and testing without prior knowledge of the result. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Swiss clinics have been researching and experimenting with these for years. Sedgbeer, Sandra The A-Z of Beauty Treatment (1994)It was not your routine scientific experiment. Times, Sunday Times (2014)The best thing about this experiment has been realising how little price has to do with quality. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Car makers are already experimenting with new sounds. Times, Sunday Times (2011)It is also the testing ground for a bold experiment. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Its brave experiment with democracy is too important to fail. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Experiments have shown that sugar reduces the immune white cell count. Turner, Roger Newman The Hayfever Handbook - a summer survival guide (1988)Is it a kind of experiment or something? Times, Sunday Times (2007)The best solution would be a venture capital fund to pay for experiments on new ideas. Times, Sunday Times (2009)In one research experiment three groups of basketball players were prepared for practice. Pete Cohen and Sten Cummins with Jennai Cox HABIT BUSTING: A 10-step plan that will change your life (2002)But there was some improvement, some attempt to experiment. The Times Literary Supplement (2014)The country 's modern experiment in coalition politics would have ended in failure. Times, Sunday Times (2013)He also writes about an experiment into the effects of Botox. Times, Sunday Times (2015)This is an important factor, if matched area experiments or other attempts to compare and contrast aspects of the test are sought. Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)