test

英文词源

test

test: [14] Latin testum denoted an ‘earthenware pot’. English acquired it via Old French test, and used it originally for a ‘pot in which metals are subjected to heat’. Among the purposes these tests were put to was assaying, to ascertain the quality of metal, and by the 16th century the word was being used metaphorically for an ‘examination of properties or qualities’. English testy and French tête ‘head’ are close relatives.
=> testy

test (n.)

late 14c., "small vessel used in assaying precious metals," from Old French test, from Latin testum "earthen pot," related to testa "piece of burned clay, earthen pot, shell" (see tete).

Sense of "trial or examination to determine the correctness of something" is recorded from 1590s. The connecting notion is "ascertaining the quality of a metal by melting it in a pot." Test Act was the name given to various laws in English history meant to exclude Catholics and Nonconformists from office, especially that of 1673, repealed 1828. Test drive (v.) is first recorded 1954.

test (v.)

1748, "to examine the correctness of," from test (n.), on the notion of "put to the proof." Earlier "assay gold or silver" in a test (c. 1600). Meaning "to administer a test" is from 1939; sense of "undergo a test" is from 1934. Related: Tested; testing.