assay
UK[əˈseɪ]US[əˈseɪ]
v
To test or analyze (a metal, ore, or other substance) to determine its composition or quality.
v
To attempt or try.
n
The testing of a metal or ore to determine its ingredients and quality.
n
An attempt or trial.
Morpheme Breakdown
as
say
as
to, at
say
trial, attempt
Etymology
The word 'assay' entered English in the 14th century via Anglo-French 'assaier', meaning 'to test, try'. Its core derives from the Late Latin noun 'exagium', literally 'a weighing', which comes from 'exigere' meaning 'to weigh, test, drive out'. The Latin 'exigere' itself is a compound of 'ex-' ('out') and 'agere' ('to drive, lead, do'). The initial 'a-' in 'assay' represents a reduced form of the Latin prefix 'ad-', intensifying the action. Thus, the literal sense of 'driving out' or 'weighing out' evolved into the modern meanings of testing the purity of metals and, more broadly, making an attempt.
Analysis
Structure: as + say
as: Latin origin, from 'ad-' meaning 'to, at'. It functions as an intensifying prefix.
say: Old French origin, from 'essai' meaning 'trial, attempt', itself from Late Latin 'exagium' (a weighing). It functions as the core root.
Examples
The geologist will assay the ore sample to determine its gold content.
He made a careful assay of the situation before speaking.
They will assay a new method for recycling plastics.