trial
n. C / Un. a formal meeting in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty of a crime. It can also mean a test to see if something, like a new medicine, works well.
n. a formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically involving a jury, to determine guilt in a criminal or civil case. Also refers to a specific period of testing to assess the efficacy or quality of a subject.
The murder trial lasted for three weeks.
The pharmaceutical company is conducting a clinical trial to ensure the new drug is safe for public use.
The defendant's right to a fair and speedy trial is a cornerstone of the justice system, ensuring that evidence is weighed impartially before any sentence is passed.
From Middle English trial, triall, from Anglo-Norman trial, triel, from trier (“to pick out, cull”) + -al. More at English try.
From Latin tri- (stem of trēs (“three”)) + -al, on the pattern of dual.
Countable when referring to legal cases or specific tests; uncountable when referring to the general process of testing or a period of hardship.
The drug is under a trialThe drug is in clinical trialsWhen discussing medical or scientific testing, the plural 'trials' is more common than the singular 'a trial'.
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make trial of
To check the quality, reliability, performance or genuineness of (something or someone).
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stand trial
To sustain the trial or examination of a cause; not to give up without trial.
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trial balloon
An idea, suggestion, or prospective action, product, etc., offered to an audience or group in order to test whether it generates acceptance or interest.