experimentum Latin · revision 6993

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=Cicero|origins=la experior}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA (Classical): [ɛk.spɛ.riːˈmɛn.tũː]^(Wiktionary)

+ * IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ek.spe.riˈmɛn.tum]^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''experīmentum''' ''n'' (genitive experīmentī); second declension^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is from [[experior]] “to try, test” with the suffix [[-mentum]].^(OLD 2012)^(Wiktionary)^(TLL) Pliny's manuscripts have ⟨sperim-⟩.^(TLL)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Köbler's first source is Cicero, whom he dates 81–43 BC, and Lewis and Short cite Cicero's ''Tusculans'', “this is the greatest proof, since it is agreed that grief is removed by time”.^(Köbler 2010)^(Lewis & Short 1879)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Lewis and Short call it mostly post-Augustan.^(Lewis & Short 1879) It meant a means of testing, a trial, experiment, as in Seneca, and in Livy a person or thing serving as a test.^(OLD 2012) In Sallust it meant experience of an event, and in Quintilian a demonstration, proof, example.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ In British Medieval Latin it meant testing, trial, demonstration, proof.^(DMLBS) Medieval Latin also used it of information.^(Niermeyer 1976) [[en|experiment]] came in the mid-14th century through Old French, as an observation, test or proof, and also a feat of magic.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of a proof.^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 86–34 BC – Sallust uses it of experience.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 4 BC–65 AD – Seneca uses it of a trial.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * mid-14th century – English ''experiment'' is recorded.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A test, trial, [[m|en|experiment]]; a person or thing serving as a test.^(OLD 2012)

+ # [[m|en|Experience]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # A demonstration, proof.^(OLD 2012)

+ # ''(Medieval Latin)'' Information.^(Niermeyer 1976)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[experior]]

+ * [[experientia]]

+ * [[perīculum]]

+ * [[en|experiment]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}