'Sample' definitions:

Definition of 'sample'

(from WordNet)
noun
A small part of something intended as representative of the whole
noun
Items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population [syn: sample distribution, sample, sampling]
noun
All or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
verb
Take a sample of; "Try these new crackers"; "Sample the regional dishes" [syn: sample, try, try out, taste]

Definition of 'Sample'

From: GCIDE
  • Sample \Sam"ple\, n. [OE. sample, asaumple, OF. essample, example, fr. L. exemplum. See Example, and cf. Ensample, Sampler.]
  • 1. Example; pattern. [Obs.] --Spenser. "A sample to the youngest." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Thus he concludes, and every hardy knight His sample followed. --Fairfax. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A part of anything presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen; as, goods are often purchased by samples. [1913 Webster]
  • I design this but for a sample of what I hope more fully to discuss. --Woodward. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Specimen; example. See Specimen. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Sample'

From: GCIDE
  • Sample \Sam"ple\, v. t.
  • 1. To make or show something similar to; to match. --Bp. Hall. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths. [1913 Webster]