examination

noun

Sayig-za-muh-NAY-shuhn/ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/AUS/ɪɡˌzæməˈnæɪʃən/UKig-za-mi-NAY-shuhn/ɪɡˌzæmɪˈneɪʃən/

4 meanings of examination

1
nouncountable
A formal test in which students answer written or oral questions within a time limit, usually without access to textbooks.
Students filed into the hall for the three-hour examination.
He failed the chemistry examination and had to retake it the following term.
Similartest, paper
Note
In education, what gets examined is a student's knowledge rather than an object or a body. The format may be oral as well as written, though the typical case is the large written test that closes a semester in high school or college. Countable, it means a single sitting (two examinations in one week). Uncountable, it means testing as a method, as in admission by examination.
2
nouncountable
An inspection by a medical professional to determine the extent and nature of any illness or injury.
The physician completed a thorough examination of the patient's chest and abdomen.
After the examination, the nurse recorded his blood pressure and heart rate.
Similarcheckup, physical
3
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of inspecting or studying something closely in order to learn about it.
Close examination of the document revealed several forged signatures.
The committee's examination of the evidence lasted well into the evening.
Similarinspection, scrutiny, study, analysis, investigation
Note
The general noun behind all the others, formed from examine with -ation and reaching English through Middle English examinacioun, Old French examinacion and Latin exāminātiō. It works both ways. Uncountable, it names the activity, as in closer examination showed. Countable, it names one piece of scrutiny, as with Demandt's and Ferguson's examinations of allohistory. A noun in front says what is examined, as in stool examination, the pattern the medical meaning builds on.
4
nouncountable or uncountable
The formal questioning of a witness, especially by a lawyer in court or during discovery.
The attorney's examination of the key witness exposed gaps in the alibi.
Counsel began the examination by asking where the defendant was that night.
Similarquestioning, interrogation

Practice

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Origin

This word came through Middle English "examinacioun" and Old French "examinacion" from Latin "exāminātiō". It is formed from "examine" plus the suffix "-ation".