Assay

Noun

 * 1) trial, attempt, essay.
 * 2) The qualitative or quantitative chemical analysis of something
 * 3) A test for a particular chemical or effect.

Verb

 * 1)  To analyze or estimate the composition or value of (a metal, ore etc.).
 * 2)  To test the abilities of (someone) in combat; to fight.

Thesaurus
acid test; analysis; analyzation; analyze; anatomize; anatomizing; anatomy; appraise; appreciate; approach; assaying; assess; attempt; bid; blank determination; break down; break up; breakdown; breaking down; breaking up; breakup; bring to test; brouillon; calculate; calibrate; caliper; chance; check a parameter; compute; confirm; crack; criterion; crucial test; crucible; cut and try; determination; dial; dissect; dissection; divide; division; docimasy; effort; endeavor; engage; essay; estimate; evaluate; experiment; fathom; feeling out; first draft; fling; gambit; gauge; give a try; give a tryout; go; graduate; gravimetric analysis; have a go; kiteflying; lick; lift a finger; make an attempt; make an effort; measure; mensurate; mete; meter; move; offer; ordeal; pace; play around with; plumb; practice upon; prize; probation; probe; proof; prove; proximate analysis; put to trial; quantify; quantitative analysis; quantize; rate; reduce; reduce to elements; reduction to elements; research; resolution; resolve; road-test; rough draft; rough sketch; run a sample; sample; segment; segmentation; semimicroanalysis; separate; separation; shake down; shot; size; size up; sound; sounding out; span; stab; standard; step; stroke; strong bid; subdivide; subdivision; substantiate; survey; take a reading; taste; tentative; test; test case; touchstone; trial; trial and error; triangulate; try; try it on; try out; undertake; undertaking; validate; valuate; value; venture; venture on; venture upon; verification; verify; weigh; whack