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/ˈsɑːmp(ə)l/ 
| singular | sample |
| plural | samples |
- 2a small amount of a substance that is 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 who are 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.
This is the British English definition of sample. View American English definition of sample.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.
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