test-paper

A chemist dips a test-paper into a clear liquid.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Chemistry: "test-paper" refers to a piece of specially prepared paper used in chemical analysis to test for the presence of a substance, such as an acid or alkali, by changing color.
   • Education (dated): A written examination or a set of questions given to students to assess their knowledge or skills.

Usage Examples

• Chemistry:

  • The chemist dipped a piece of test-paper into the solution to check its pH level. (A piece of paper treated with a chemical indicator.)
  • Litmus test-paper turns red in acidic conditions and blue in alkaline conditions. (A specific type of test-paper used for acidity testing.)

• Education:

  • The teacher handed out the test-paper at the start of the class. (A printed examination sheet.)
  • Students were given thirty minutes to complete the test-paper. (A written assessment.)

Advanced Usage

• "test-paper" as a compound noun: In modern contexts, "test-paper" is often hyphenated or written as two words ("test paper") to distinguish it from general paper used for testing. It is rarely used in everyday speech for educational tests, where "exam paper" or "test sheet" is more common.

Variants and Related Words

• Test (n): A procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something.

  • The students took a math test. (An examination.)

• Paper (n): Material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing, or packaging.

  • She wrote her notes on a piece of paper. (A thin sheet material.)

• Litmus paper (n): A specific type of test-paper used to test for acidity or alkalinity.

  • The litmus paper turned blue, indicating the solution was basic. (A test-paper for pH.)

Synonyms

• Indicator paper: Paper treated with a chemical that changes color in response to a substance.
• Exam paper: A written test used in education.

Related Idioms

• To pass the test: To succeed in a trial or examination.

  • He studied hard and passed the test. (He met the required standard.)

• To put to the test: To examine or evaluate something under challenging conditions.

  • The new software was put to the test by thousands of users. (It was tested rigorously.)