proof

noun

• 1 [mass noun] evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement:you will be asked to give proof of your identity [count noun]:this is not a proof for the existence of God
• Law the spoken or written evidence in a trial.
• the action of establishing the truth of a statement:spatial dimensions whose very existence is beyond all hope of proof
• [count noun] a series of stages in the resolution of a mathematical or philosophical problem.

• 2 Printing a trial impression of a page, taken from type or film and used for making corrections before final printing.
• a trial photographic print made for initial selection.
• each of a number of impressions from an engraved plate, especially (in commercial printing) of a limited number before the ordinary issue is printed and before an inscription or signature is added.
• a specially struck specimen coin with a polished or frosted finish.

• 3 [mass noun] the strength of distilled alcoholic spirits, relative to proof spirit taken as a standard of 100: [in combination]:powerful 132-proof rum

• 4a test or trial of something.

• 5 Scots Law a trial or a civil case before a judge without a jury.

adjective

• 1able to withstand something damaging; resistant:the marine battle armour was proof against most weapons [in combination]:the system comes with idiot-proof instructions

• 2denoting a trial impression of a page or printed work:a proof copy is sent up for checking

verb

• 1make (fabric) waterproof: (as adjective proofed)the flysheet is made from proofed nylon

• 2make a proof of (a printed work, engraving, etc.): (as noun proofing)proofing could be done on a low-cost printer
• proofread (a text):William proofed much of her work

• 3North American activate (yeast) by the addition of liquid: proof the yeast with the teaspoon of sugar
• knead (dough) until light and smooth.
• [no object] (of dough) prove:shape into a baguette and let proof for a few minutes