experiment

/ɛkˈspirɪmɪnt/

/ɛkˈspɛrɪmənt/

Other forms: experiments; experimenting; experimented

If you see your science-loving neighbor headed home with a power cord, a handful of test tubes, a stopwatch, and a bag of potatoes, there’s probably no need to be alarmed. There’s a good chance he’s only conducting an experiment, a scientific test conducted under controlled conditions.

To refer to a scientific test, use the noun experiment. If you want to describe the work done in conducting such a test, experiment will do the trick as well, since it can also act as a verb, as in "scientists experiment with helium." You can also use it more generally to describe trying a new method or idea. For example, you could experiment with a new hairstyle or different routes to get to school or work.

Definitions of experiment

1. noun

   the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
   synonyms: experimentation

   types:

   testing

   the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works

   trial and error

   experimenting until a solution is found

   Michelson-Morley experiment

   a celebrated experiment conducted by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley; their failure to detect any influence of the earth's motion on the velocity of light was the starting point for Einstein's theory of relativity

   control experiment

   an experiment designed to control for variables affecting the results of another experiment

   type of:

   research project, scientific research

   research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses
2. noun

   the testing of an idea
   “it was an experiment in living”

   synonyms: experimentation

   types:

   pilot experiment

   a preliminary experiment whose outcome can lead to a more extensive experiment

   test, trial, trial run, tryout

   trying something to find out about it

   field test, field trial

   a test of the performance of some new product under the conditions in which it will be used

   alpha test

   (computer science) a first test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by the developer

   beta test

   (computer science) a second test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by an outside organization

   road test

   a test to insure that a vehicle is roadworthy

   trial balloon

   a test of public opinion

   type of:

   enquiry, inquiry, research

   a search for knowledge
3. noun

   a venture at something new or different
   “as an experiment he decided to grow a beard”

   type of:

   venture

   any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
4. verb

   conduct a test or investigation
   “We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease”

   synonyms:

   try out

   try something new, as in order to gain experience

   type of:

   investigate, look into

   investigate scientifically
5. verb

   try something new, as in order to gain experience
   “The composer experimented with a new style”

   synonyms: try out