n. [ L. experimentum, fr. experiri to try: cf. OF. esperiment, experiment. See Experience. ] 1. A trial or special observation, made to confirm or disprove something uncertain; esp., one under controlled conditions determined by the experimenter; an act or operation undertaken in order to discover some unknown principle or effect, or to test, establish, or illustrate some hypothesis, theory, or known truth; practical test; proof. [ 1913 Webster ]

A political experiment can not be made in a laboratory, nor determined in a few hours. J. Adams. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Experience. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Adam, by sad experiment I know
How little weight my words with thee can find. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To try; to know, perceive, or prove, by trial or experience. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Herbert. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Experimented; p. pr. & vb. n. Experinenting. ] To make experiment; to operate by test or trial; -- often with on, upon, or in, referring to the subject of an experiment; with, referring to the instrument; and by, referring to the means; as, to experiment upon electricity; he experimented in plowing with ponies, or by steam power. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf.F. expérimental. ] 1. Pertaining to experiment; founded on, or derived from, experiment or trial; as, experimental science; given to, or skilled in, experiment; as, an experimental philosopher. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Known by, or derived from, experience; as, experimental religion. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. an empirical doctrine that advocates experimental principles. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. an orientation that favors experimentation and innovation; as, the children of psycholoigsts are often raised in an atmosphere of experimentalism. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. One who makes experiments, especially one who likes to experiment; an experimenter. Whaterly. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who relies primarily on experimentation and the evidence of one's own senses; an empiricist; -- contrasted with theoretician or dogmatist. [ PJC ]

v. i. To make experiments (upon); to experiment. J. S. Mill. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By experiment; by experience or trial. J. S. Mill. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Relying on experiment or experience. “an experimentarian philosopher.” Boyle. -- n. One who relies on experiment or experience. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of experimenting; practice by experiment. J. S. Mill. [ 1913 Webster ]