exam

ex-am · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A formal written, spoken, or practical test, especially at school or college.

  2. 2.

    A medical examination.

Forms

plural: exams

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    final exam — an examination at the end of a course
  • •
    midterm exam — an examination given halfway through a term
  • •
    pass/fail an exam — to succeed or not succeed on a test
  • •
    take an exam — to complete a test
  • •
    study for an exam — to prepare for a test

Related words

Antonyms: exercise, practice
See also: examination, exams, quiz, test
Synonyms: assessment, examination, quiz, test

Etymology

Shortened form of "examination," from Latin "examen" meaning "a weighing, trial," from "exigere" (to weigh, examine). The shortened form became common in the 19th century.