pretest

[ noun pree-test; verb pree-test ]

noun

1. an advance or preliminary testing or trial, as of a new product.
2. a test given to determine if students are sufficiently prepared to begin a new course of study.
3. a test taken for practice.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a pretest to (a student, product, etc.).

verb (used without object)

1. to conduct a pretest:

   to pretest for consumer acceptance.

pretest

/ priːˈtɛst /

verb

1. to test (something) before presenting it to its intended public or client

noun

1. the act or instance of pretesting

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretest¹

First recorded in 1945–50; pre- + test ¹

Example Sentences

The second source of trouble I didn’t anticipate is what is known as “pretest probability.”

From MIT Technology Review

First, consider your pretest probability — or the chances you’ve actually been in contact with the virus.

From FiveThirtyEight