trial

noun

1. 1

   the act of testing something

   in the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately

   he called each flip of the coin a new trial

2. 2

   the act of undergoing testing

   he survived the great test of battle

   candidates must compete in a trial of skill

3. 3

   (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law

   he had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty

   most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial

4. 4

   trying something to find out about it

   a sample for ten days free trial

   a trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain

5. 5

   an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event

   his mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him

   life is full of tribulations

6. 6

   (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications

   the trials for the semifinals began yesterday