experimental

[ ik-sper-uh-men-tl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, derived from, or founded on experiment:

   an experimental science.

2. of the nature of an experiment; tentative:

   The new program is still in an experimental stage.

3. functioning as an experiment or used for experimentation:

   an experimental airplane.

4. based on or derived from experience; empirical:

   experimental knowledge.

noun

1. something that is experimental.

experimental

/ ɪkˌspɛrɪˈmɛntəl /

adjective

1. relating to, based on, or having the nature of experiment

   an experimental study

2. based on or derived from experience; empirical

   experimental evidence

3. tending to experiment

   an experimental artist

4. tentative or provisional

   an experimental rule in football

Derived Forms

• exˌperiˈmentally, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·peri·mental·ly adverb
• nonex·peri·mental adjective
• nonex·peri·mental·ly adverb
• postex·peri·mental adjective
• preex·peri·mental adjective
• pseudo·ex·peri·mental adjective
• pseudo·ex·peri·mental·ly adverb
• quasi-ex·peri·mental adjective
• quasi-ex·peri·mental·ly adverb
• semi·ex·peri·mental adjective
• semi·ex·peri·mental·ly adverb
• unex·peri·mental adjective
• unex·peri·mental·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of experimental¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word experīmentālis. See experiment, -al ¹

Example Sentences

For Nature Theater, a capacious, playful experimental theater company in New York City that is known for its risk and rigor, dance serves a distinct purpose.

From New York Times

Previous experimental studies fail to capture the detailed mechanism of transformation of blue phases involving the formation of twin structures.

From Science Daily

Theoretical simulations, in agreement with experimental observations, emphasise the crucial role of vibrations of the lighter groups of atoms in triggering these ultrafast reactions.

From Science Daily

"In our paper, we tested this relation using experimental data."

From Science Daily

"I had to design and optimise experimental conditions for Nematostella based on the sparse literature available from other species. This took some time, but the final results were very rewarding."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved