sample

sam|ple1 [ `sæmpl ] noun count ***

1. ) an example or small amount of something that shows you what all of it is like:

sample of: I took home some samples of curtain fabrics.

We had to bring some samples of our work to the interview.

a ) a small amount of a product given to people to try:

free sample: They gave me lots of free samples of their make-up.

b ) only before noun made as a sample:

a booklet that gives some sample examination questions

2. ) a small amount of a substance used for scientific or medical tests:

Tests were performed on hair and blood samples.

take/collect/obtain a sample: Researchers are taking samples of the air close to the factory.

a ) a group of people used for getting information about a larger group or about the whole population:

After six weeks on the drug, over 60% of the sample showed some improvement.

The reliability of the results depends on the size of the sample.

random sample (=chosen without any definite pattern or plan): The study took a random sample of 100 students from 3 schools.

3. ) a short piece of music copied from a record, then used again as part of a new piece of music

sample

sam|ple 2 [ `sæmpl ] verb transitive *

1. ) to test a small amount of something in order to get information about the whole thing:

The air is sampled continuously to measure changes in air pollution.

a ) to taste a small amount of food and drink in order to see what it is like:

We sampled the soup and found the flavor surprisingly delicate.

2. ) to use a group of people in order to get information about a larger group or about the whole population:

Only 23% of those sampled said they were in favor of reducing the speed limits.

3. ) to try doing a new activity for a time:

Here you can relax and sample life without the trappings of modern business.

4. ) to copy a short piece of music from a record, then use it again as part of a new piece of music. This activity is called sampling.