experiment (up)on (someone or something)

To perform tests on someone or something in order to gain insight and data about it. We got approval to start experimenting on mice, so we can see how the procedure affects their islet cells. No way, I could never experiment on animals! We're not real scientists, so why do we have to experiment on a frog for Bio class? So gross.

See also: experiment

experiment in (something)

To test or do research in a particular subject or area. My sister is experimenting in astrophysics and has done some very fascinating research. I've always wanted to experiment in genetics and learn even more about the information coded into our DNA. I wish I could experiment in space travel. I mean, what kid didn't want to be an astronaut at some point in their childhood?

See also: experiment

experiment with (something)

1. Literally, to use something as a component in research or tests. We got approval to start experimenting with this new procedure on mice, so we can see how the procedure affects their islet cells. Sure, it's a compelling hypothesis, but I think you need to experiment with it some more. We're not real scientists, so why do we have to experiment with a frog for Bio class? So gross.

2. By extension, to try doing or using something new. I'm experimenting with basil tonight, even though I don't usually include it in this recipe. I just don't like the synth-heavy sound the band's experimenting with on this album. Honestly, I've never had any desire to experiment with drugs and alcohol.

See also: experiment

thought experiment

An imagined or hypothetical sequence of events and their consequences, used to illustrate or investigate a hypothesis or theory to its logical conclusion. My professor led us through a fun thought experiment today about how many rocket engines and how much rocket fuel would be needed to push the earth out of its gravitational rotation. Thought experiments like the trolley car problem are very useful when thinking about and discussing philosophical questions about morality.

experiment in something

to conduct research or experiments about something. The research group is experimenting in the field of biomechanics. We want to experiment in thermodynamics.

See also: experiment

experiment (up)on someone or something

to use someone or something as the subject of an experiment. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Do you think we should experiment upon people? The researchers were experimenting on a new drug that might cure rabies.

experiment with someone or something

to try different experiments on someone or something; to use different people or things as key variables in an experiment. They are supposed to be experimenting with new drugs. We no longer experiment with animals.

See also: experiment

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References in classic literature

"I am equal to whatever fate my father is equal to," she said, "nor do I think that a life upon one of these beautiful little islands would be much of a hardship--certainly not if it will help to promote the success of his scientific experiments."

View in context

"Are you satisfied with your experiment, girls, or do you want another week of it?" she asked, as Beth nestled up to her and the rest turned toward her with brightening faces, as flowers turn toward the sun.

Then I am quite satisfied with the experiment, and fancy that we shall not have to repeat it, only don't go to the other extreme and delve like slaves.

View in context

Heidegger, motioning them to be seated, "I am desirous of your assistance in one of those little experiments with which I amuse myself here in my study."

View in context

He had not been forgetful of "Visible Speech" all this while, but had been making experiments with two remarkable machines--the phonautograph and the manometric capsule, by means of which the vibrations of sound were made plainly visible.

Sanders and Hubbard, who had been paying the cost of his experiments, abruptly announced that they would pay no more unless he confined his attention to the musical telegraph, and stopped wasting his time on ear-toys that never could be of any financial value.

Sanders and Hubbard had never done more than pay his room-rent and the expense of his experiments. For his three or four years of inventing he had re- ceived nothing as yet--nothing but his patent.

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"It is a question with me whether the experiment which I propose as a means of vindicating your innocence, may not also be made a means of recovering the lost Diamond as well.

For the present, let us return to our experiment with the opium.

On the other hand, he considered it essential to the success of the experiment, that I should see the same objects about me which had surrounded me when I was last in the house.

The events of the next ten days--every one of them more or less directly connected with the experiment of which I was the passive object-- are all placed on record, exactly as they happened, in the Journal habitually kept by Mr.

View in context

He had no idea he was part of a radiation experiment even as his urine and stools were collected to measure their plutonium concentrations.

Looking Back in Anger

The mini-loan experiment targets properties that require from $100,000 to $750,000 in financing.

New mini-loan program for Bronx apartment houses

If less than eight M&Ms remain after harvest, then the population crashes, and the experiment ends.

A common property experiment with a renewable resource