Great share! This is indeed how the term 'test' evolved, from its Latin root 'testum', through Old French 'test', and into Middle English. Such shifts in meaning, from a concrete object to a broader conceptual framework, are a common feature in the evolution of language. The Latin term 'testum' actually meant 'shell' and it then got adapted to mean 'earthen pot', and then finally to 'test' as we know today. The pot (or 'testum') was used in metallurgical testing of gold in ancient times as you've noted. Possibly because this kind of 'testing' was crucial to the economy of the ancient world, the term 'testum' and the action associated with it became a metaphor for any kind of verification or validation.

I'm always amazed by how many common English words have Latin roots. This reminds me of how 'dictionary' comes from 'dictionarius' meaning 'a manual or book of words'. We owe a lot to Latin, it seems.

Been on Reddit for years, but this fact was cool enough to make me comment. Thanks for sharing.

Wow, didn't expect to learn something new in /r/test, lol.

Did I pass this 'test' for knowing the origin of 'test'? Can I get a gold star? ⭐

Your post offers a good illustration of semantic evolution. The word 'test' transitioned from a concrete physical object to an abstract concept, a change known as 'metaphorical extension'. It's a common linguistic phenomenon. Can anyone think of another example?

Ah, yes! You're referring to test pots or crucibles, used in the assaying process. The impurities in the metal would, quite literally, be 'tested' and separated out. It's reminiscent of the human ordeal of 'testing' where we see what we're truly made of under pressure. Fun fact, goldsmiths in the Middle Ages would have used similar methods of testing the purity of their gold before making jewellery. Thanks for reminding me of this interesting etymology.

That's such cool trivia! Languages and their evolutions are so fascinating. Thanks for sharing this tidbit about 'test' that I didn't know before.