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

The research used computer modeling that was then verified by experimental data.

From Science Daily

After Edward elects to undergo an experimental medical treatment, he begins to transform — his old face literally crumbles off — and the theme accentuates his melancholy and metamorphosis with dark beauty and sludgy textures.

From Los Angeles Times

This innovative experimental setup provided valuable insights into how initial restoration decisions influence biodiversity in oil palm-dominated landscapes.

From Science Daily

Experts said the White House could also seek a federal determination that such care is dangerous or experimental, which would reverberate through federally funded programs.

From Los Angeles Times

The team used 31 industrial sandpapers with surfaces of varying roughness, ranging from 1 to 100 microns thick, as experimental targets.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• empirical
• preliminary
• unproved