Main Entry:

¹tri·al

Pronunciation:

\ˈtrī(-ə)l\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Anglo-French, from trier to try

Date:

15th century

1 a: the action or process of trying or putting to the proof : test b: a preliminary contest (as in a sport)2: the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue3: a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation ; broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance4 a: a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness — compare clinical trial b: one of a number of repetitions of an experiment5: attempt