new word: assay

assay |?a?s?; a?s?| noun the testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality : submission of plate for assay. � a procedure for measuring the biochemical or immunological activity of a sample : each assay was performed in duplicate | the results of sequential assay of serum were analyzed | immunofluorescence assay. verb [ trans. ] 1 determine the content or quality of (a metal or ore). � 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.