proof

[[t]pruf[/t]]

n.

1) evidence sufficient to establish a thing as true or believable

2) anything serving as such evidence

3) the act of testing or trying anything; test; trial:

to put a thing to the proof[/ex]

4) the establishment of the truth of anything; demonstration

5) law (in judicial proceedings) evidence that seems to substantiate or corroborate a charge or allegation

6) math. an arithmetical operation serving to check the correctness of a calculation

7) math. pho math., logic a sequence of steps, statements, or demonstrations that leads to a valid conclusion

8) a test to determine the quality, durability, etc., of materials used in manufacture

9) vin the strength of an alcoholic liquor, esp. with reference to the standard whereby 100 proof signifies an alcoholic content of 50 percent

10) pht Photog. a trial print from a negative

11) Print.

a) pri a trial impression, as of composed type, taken to correct errors and make alterations

b) pri one of a number of early and superior impressions taken before the printing of the ordinary issue

12) num one of a limited number of coins of a new issue struck from polished dies on a blank having a polished or matte surface

13) the state of having been tested

14) able to withstand; impenetrable, impervious, or invulnerable:

proof against attack; proof against leakage[/ex]

15) used for testing or proving; serving as proof

16) of standard strength, as an alcoholic liquor

17) of tested or proven strength or quality:

proof armor[/ex]

18) to examine for flaws, errors, etc.; check against a standard

19) pri Print.

prove 7)

20) proofread

21) to treat or coat for the purpose of rendering resistant to deterioration, damage, etc. (often used in combination)

22) coo

a) to combine (yeast) with warm water so that a bubbling action occurs

b) to cause (bread dough, etc.) to rise by adding baker's yeast

23) coo (of yeast) to bubble or foam when mixed with warm water, milk, etc

•

Etymology: 1175–1225; ME prove, prooff, alter. (by assoc. with the vowel of prove) of preove, pref < MF preve, proeve < LL proba a test, n. der. of L probāre to approve of, examine, prove