sample
UK: ˈsɑːmpl | US: ˈsæmpl
n. a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
vt. to take or try a small amount of something
n. (Statistics) a subset of a population used for analysis
The word "sample" traces back to Latin "exemplum" (meaning "example" or "model"), which entered Old French as "essample." Over time, the prefix "ex-" was dropped, and the spelling simplified to "sample" in Middle English. The core idea of "a representative part" has remained consistent, though the word now carries specialized meanings in statistics and commerce.
The doctor took a blood sample for testing.
Try this free sample of our new perfume.
The survey used a random sample of 1,000 participants.
She sampled the soup before adding more salt.
The music producer sampled a vintage jazz record in his song.