Noun, verb
/əˈseɪ/
The term "assay" primarily refers to the process of analyzing a substance to determine its composition or quality. In a more general sense, it can also mean to attempt or try something. "Assay" is commonly used in scientific contexts, especially in chemistry and biology, to assess the quantity of a particular substance.
In terms of frequency of use, "assay" is used more frequently in written contexts, especially in academic and scientific literature, than in everyday spoken language.
The scientist was able to assay the purity of the gold sample.
С científico pudo evaluar la pureza de la muestra de oro.
Before beginning the experiment, we need to assay the chemicals involved.
Antes de comenzar el experimento, necesitamos evaluar los productos químicos implicados.
They conducted an assay to determine the levels of toxins in the water.
Realizaron un análisis para determinar los niveles de toxinas en el agua.
While "assay" is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, its conceptual relatives can be explored in idioms that involve evaluation or measurement:
Assay one's chances
Before deciding to apply for the job, she needed to evaluar sus posibilidades.
(Antes de decidir postularse para el trabajo, necesitaba evaluar sus posibilidades.)
Assay the situation
It's wise to evaluar la situación before making a decision.
(Es prudente evaluar la situación antes de tomar una decisión.)
Assay for potential
The team will evaluar el potencial of each candidate during the interview process.
(El equipo evaluará el potencial de cada candidato durante el proceso de entrevista.)
The word "assay" comes from the Old French term "assai," which means "to try" or "to test," derived from Latin "exagium," meaning "a weighing." Its use has evolved over time to specialize in scientific and analytical contexts.
Synonyms: analyze, evaluate, test, examine, assess
Antonyms: ignore, overlook, neglect