proof of concept

[ proof uhv kon-sept ]

noun

1. a small-scale demonstration that a business plan, product in development, etc., is likely to be successful in later stages (often used attributively): The next step is a proof-of-concept clinical trial to evaluate the drug.

   A rough prototype of the device was constructed as proof of concept.

   The next step is a proof-of-concept clinical trial to evaluate the drug.

proof of concept

noun

1. commerce the stage during the development of a product when it is established that the product will function as intended

Word History and Origins

Origin of proof of concept¹

First recorded in 1965–70