assay in WordNet English dictionary

1. a quantitative or qualitative test of a substance (especially an ore or a drug) to determine its components; frequently used to test for the presence or concentration of infectious agents or antibodies etc.
   assay 
   
2. an appraisal of the state of affairs
   "they made an assay of the contents"; "a check on its dependability under stress"
   assay  check 
   
3. a written report of the results of an analysis of the composition of some substance
   assay 
   
4. a substance that is undergoing an analysis of its components
   assay 
   

1. analyze (chemical substances)
   assay 
   
2. make an effort or attempt
   "He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"
   try  seek  attempt  essay  assay