assay

noun

• the testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality:submission of plate for assay
• [count noun] a procedure for measuring the biochemical or immunological activity of a sample: each assay was performed in duplicate

verb

• 1determine the content or quality of (a metal or ore): the man who assayed gold was more than a technician
• determine the biochemical or immunological activity of (a sample): cell contents were assayed for enzyme activity
• examine (something) in order to assess its nature:stepping inside, I quickly assayed the clientele

• 2 archaic attempt:I assayed a little joke of mine on him