trial trial /ˈtraɪl/

noun

1. () The act of testing something  ( test , run , trial )
   the act of testing something
    In the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately
   in the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately
    He called each flip of the coin a new trial
   he called each flip of the coin a new trial
   
2. () Trying something to find out about it  ( trial run , tryout , trial , test )
   trying something to find out about it
    A sample for ten days free trial
   a sample for ten days free trial
    A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain
   a trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain
   
3. () The act of undergoing testing  ( test , trial )
   the act of undergoing testing
    He survived the great test of battle
   he survived the great test of battle
    Candidates must compete in a trial of skill
   candidates must compete in a trial of skill
   
4. () (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law  ( trial )
   (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law
    He had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty
   he had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty
    Most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial
   most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial
   
   
5. An annoying, frustrating or catastrophic event  ( trial , tribulation , visitation )
   an annoying, frustrating or catastrophic event
    His mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him
   his mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him
    Life is full of tribulations
   life is full of tribulations
    A visitation of the plague
   a visitation of the plague
   
6. (sport) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications  ( trial )
   (sport) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications
    The trials for the semifinals began yesterday
   the trials for the semifinals began yesterday