experimental
[ ik-sper-uh-men-tl ]
/ ɪkˌspɛr əˈmɛn tl /
adjective
pertaining to, derived from, or founded on experiment: an experimental science.
of the nature of an experiment; tentative: The new program is still in an experimental stage.
functioning as an experiment or used for experimentation: an experimental airplane.
based on or derived from experience; empirical: experimental knowledge.
noun
something that is experimental.
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Origin of experimental
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word experīmentālis. See experiment, -al1
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for experimental
British Dictionary definitions for experimental
experimental
/ (ɪkˌspɛrɪˈmɛntəl) /
adjective
relating to, based on, or having the nature of experimentan experimental study
based on or derived from experience; empiricalexperimental evidence
tending to experimentan experimental artist
tentative or provisionalan experimental rule in football
Derived Formsexperimentally, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for experimental
experimental
mid 15c., "having experience," from experiment (n.) + -al (1). Meaning "based on experience" is from 1560s. Meaning "for the sake of experiment" is from 1792 (e.g. Experimental farm).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper