trial

(noun) the act of testing something. Synonyms: test, run. Examples: "In the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately." "He called each flip of the coin a new trial."

(noun) trying something to find out about it. Synonyms: trial run, test, tryout. Examples: "A sample for ten days free trial." "A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain."

(noun) the act of undergoing testing. Synonyms: test. Examples: "He survived the great test of battle." "Candidates must compete in a trial of skill."

(noun) (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law. Examples: "He had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty." "Most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial."

(noun) (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications. Examples: "The trials for the semifinals began yesterday."

(noun) an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event. Synonyms: tribulation, visitation. Examples: "His mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him." "Life is full of tribulations." "A visitation of the plague."