1. A quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components; frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.
   "The lab performed an assay to determine the purity of the gold sample"
    
2. An appraisal of the state of affairs
   "they made an assay of the contents";
   - check
    
3. A substance that is undergoing an analysis of its components
   "The laboratory prepared the assay for chemical analysis"
    
4. A written report of the results of an analysis of the composition of some substance
   "The laboratory provided a detailed assay of the mineral sample"

1. Analyse (chemical substances)
   "The lab technician assayed the sample for traces of mercury"
    
2. [archaic] Make an effort to accomplish something
   "He assayed to shake off his fears";
   - try, seek, attempt, essay

Derived forms: assays, assayed, assaying

See also: essay

Type of: act, analyse [Brit, Cdn], analyze [N. Amer], appraisal, assessment, canvass, examine, move, report, run, study, test, trial, written report

Encyclopedia: Assay, Indre-et-Loire