πείραμα
Wordform Details
Translation: experimenttesttrial
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neutersingularnominativeIs Dictionary Form: Yes
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: πείραμα
Translation: experiment; test; trial; experimentation (noun)
Etymology: From ancient Greek πεῖρα (peira) meaning 'trial, attempt, experience' plus the suffix -μα (-ma) indicating result or product of action. The root πεῖρα is related to the verb πειράω (to try, attempt) and connects to English words like 'empirical' (from Greek empeiria, meaning experience-based knowledge) and 'pirate' (originally 'one who tries/attacks'). The word emphasizes the systematic nature of testing hypotheses, distinguishing it from casual observation.
Mnemonics
- Think 'peer-ama' - peers doing experiments together
- Remember 'pirate' connection - pirates 'try' to attack, experiments 'try' to discover
Cultural Context
Commonly used in educational contexts, scientific discourse, and everyday conversation when discussing testing or trying something new. Greek culture values empirical knowledge and practical testing, making this word frequent in both academic and informal settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: πείραμα is a scientific experiment while πειρασμός is temptation or the act of being tempted
Notes: Both come from the same root πεῖρα but have evolved different meanings - one scientific, one moral/psychological
Mnemonic: πείραμα has -μα ending (like drama, schema) for concrete things; πειρασμός has -μός for abstract feelings