Word family noun experiment experimentation adjective experimental verb experiment adverb experimentally
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishexperimentex‧per‧i‧ment1 /ɪkˈsperəmənt/ ●●● S3 W2 noun [countable] 1 TEST/EXPERIMENTa scientific test done to find out how something reacts under certain conditions, or to find out if a particular idea is trueexperiment with/in/on experiments with alcohol-fuelled cars experiments on sleep deprivationby experiment Many small birds guide themselves by the stars, as has been verified by experiment.2 TEST/EXPERIMENTa process in which you test a new idea or method to see if it is useful or effectiveexperiment with/in/on an experiment in state socialismCOLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: a scientific test done to find out how something reacts under certain conditions, or to find out if a particular idea is trueverbsdo/carry out an experimentThey carried out a series of experiments to test the theory.He did some experiments with bats.perform/conduct an experiment formal (=do an experiment)The laboratory began conducting experiments on rats.an experiment shows/proves/demonstrates somethingHis experiment showed that lightning was a kind of electricity.The experiment proved that fabrics treated with the chemical are much less likely to catch fire.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + experimenta scientific experimentAstronauts performed scientific experiments during the flight.animal experiments (=experiments using animals)I think most animal experiments are cruel and unnecessary.a laboratory experiment (=one that takes place in a laboratory)They did a series of laboratory experiments on human sleep patterns in the 1960s.a field experiment (=one that takes place in the real world, not in a laboratory)In field experiments, we used patients who did not know that it was a test situation.a controlled experiment (=one that is done using correct scientific methods)The theory has not yet been tested by a properly controlled experiment.a practical experiment (=one that relates to real situations or events, not scientific theories)The research team compiled a set of practical experiments in Modern Astronomy.phrasesan experiment to test/measure/find out somethingWe did an experiment to test the acidity of the soil.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘make an experiment’. Say carry out an experiment or do an experiment. COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: a process in which you test a new idea or method to see if it is useful or effectiveadjectivesa bold experiment (=one that tries to achieve a lot and takes risks)The country’s bold experiment with economic reform has not paid off yet.a unique experiment (=one that has not been done before)Congestion charging is a unique experiment that other UK cities are watching with interest.a democratic/socialist/communist experiment (=one in which a country tries a new political system)He went to Havana to judge for himself the success or failure of the socialist experiment.a social experiment (=one in which people try a new way of living and organizing society)The community started out as a social experiment. Examples from the Corpus
experiment• In the classical conditioning experiment, the two stimuli were presented simultaneously.• They are doing experiments to learn more about the affects of alcohol on the brain.• The Institute plans to conduct no further experiments on monkeys.• Laboratory experiments have proven that unfamiliar surroundings and a change in daily schedule can lead to sleep problems.• In one experiment, the men were not allowed to sleep and then were tested on how well they were able to concentrate.• In three other experiments fluid transport in the jejunum was nil.• All three of the experiments you did are related to the center of gravity in your body.• The experiment has not been done, and it is hard to imagine its getting a grant.• Faced with such a question the theorist has to repair to a mental laboratory where he conducts thought experiments.• The elderly people were taught meditation in the 12-week experiment.experiment with/in/on• Airlines experiment with the highest possible fares over the weekend.• Listen to all kinds of music, and experiment with different styles of singing.• Becky wanted to keep her hair long but experiment with different styles.• First, consider this design for a two-stage experiment with rats.• This must be what people tell themselves when they start experimenting with drugs.• Other areas will probably watch the outcome of this experiment with interest.• This is why people find it difficult to experiment with their own behaviour and to practise using behaviours that are unfamiliar.experiment with/in/on• Airlines experiment with the highest possible fares over the weekend.• Listen to all kinds of music, and experiment with different styles of singing.• Becky wanted to keep her hair long but experiment with different styles.• First, consider this design for a two-stage experiment with rats.• This must be what people tell themselves when they start experimenting with drugs.• Other areas will probably watch the outcome of this experiment with interest.• This is why people find it difficult to experiment with their own behaviour and to practise using behaviours that are unfamiliar.experimentex‧per‧i‧ment2 /ɪkˈsperəment/ ●●○ verb [intransitive] 1 TRY something TO SEE IF IT IS GOODto try using various ideas, methods etc to find out how good or effective they areexperiment with/on/in He experimented with lighter-than-air flight. The teacher provided some different materials and left the children to experiment.2 TEST/EXPERIMENTto do a scientific test to find out if a particular idea is true or to obtain more informationexperiment with/on I would defend the right of scientists to experiment on animals.3 to try doing something to find out what it feels like, for example having sex or using illegal drugsexperiment with She admitted she had experimented with cocaine. —experimenter noun [countable]→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
experiment• She had black kinky hair that she experimented with a lot.• She was experimenting with a risotto when Ron Paget appeared at the door.• Want to experiment with digital images?• Considerable work has also been undertaken to develop new blends using wool and experimenting with new man made fibres and dyestuffs.• Another possibility that I have experimented with once or twice is creating a monogram in flowers.• He also experimented with photography, and did significant early work with X-rays from 1896, and with radio waves from 1897.• Ronald Reagan is the only modern presidential candidate to experiment with that idea, selecting Pennsylvania Sen.• At fifteen he began to experiment with various water turbines.experiment with/on/in• In Lombardy, however, the rib vault was experimented with and a number of examples were built.• Their mechanism of action has been worked out chiefly by experiments on animals.• This must be what people tell themselves when they start experimenting with drugs.• Thus, it is no coincidence that the public school districts experimenting with Ebonics long have been abandoned by white parents.• He began to experiment on himself.• This means that any of those experiments in plant association which prove to be unsuccessful can be scrapped without too many regrets.• Up to that time, I was simply playing, or experimenting with the girls.• If you like your potatoes cooked from scratch, experiment with Yukon Golds.experiment with/on• Their mechanism of action has been worked out chiefly by experiments on animals.• Emma was experimenting with atonal motifs on a xylophone and Vicky had been given a doll but had pulled the arm off.• For example, a social service agency might allow an experiment on different practice models.• Reichardt is currently experimenting with free-range ducks, which are raised in an open field bordered by nearby trees to provide shade.• He also experimented with photography, and did significant early work with X-rays from 1896, and with radio waves from 1897.• Remember all those experiments with rats living in enriched environments?• Then I experimented with T'Ai Chi.• If you like your potatoes cooked from scratch, experiment with Yukon Golds.experiment with• We're experimenting with a new filing system.• Schools have experimented with desktop publishing in English classes.• A new wave of rock bands experimented with different rhythms and beats.• A lot of fourteen and fifteen year olds experiment with drugs.• Several politicians admitted experimenting with marijuana.Origin experiment1 (1300-1400) Old French Latin experimentum, from experiri; → EXPERIENCE1 