- experiment (n.)
- mid-14c., "action of observing or testing; an observation, test, or trial;" also "piece of evidence or empirical proof; feat of magic or sorcery," from Old French esperment "practical knowledge, cunning; enchantment, magic spell; trial, proof, example; lesson, sign, indication," from Latin experimentum "a trial, test, proof, experiment," noun of action from experiri "to test, try" (see experience (n.)).
- experiment (v.)
- late 15c., from experiment (n.). Intransitive sense by 1787. Related: Experimented; experimenting.
