a test done in order to learn something or to discover if something works or is true

Some people believe that experiments on animals should be banned. 有些人认为应该禁止拿动物做实验。

[ + to infinitive ] Scientists are conducting/carrying out/doing experiments to test the effectiveness of the new drug. 科学家们正在做实验来检验这种新药的疗效。

I've bought a different kind of coffee this week as an experiment (= in order to see what it is like). 这个星期我买了一种不同牌子的咖啡来尝尝。

We can only find the best solution by experiment. 我们只能摸石头过河，寻找最好的解决办法。

to try something in order to discover what it is like or find out more about it

Things would never change if people weren't prepared to experiment. 如果人们不愿意去尝试，事情就永远不会有转机。

The school is experimenting with new teaching methods. 这所学校正在尝试新的教学法。

Experimenting on mice can give us an idea of the effect of the disease in humans. 在老鼠身上做实验可以使我们了解这种疾病对人类的影响。