Tilraun

Tilraun is an Icelandic noun meaning “experiment,” “trial,” or “test.” It refers to the act of testing something to observe its properties, effects, or outcome. The plural form is tilraunir, and the term is used across scientific, technical, and everyday language. In scientific contexts, tilraunir describe controlled studies or experiments designed to test a hypothesis or evaluate a new method. In everyday language, tilraun can also mean an attempt or trial, as in the common expression gera tilraun, meaning to make an attempt or to try something out.

Etymology and forms: Tilraun is native to Icelandic, with cognates in other North Germanic languages and attestations in Old Norse. The word has a stable meaning related to testing or attempting, and is distinct from terms for mere observation or guessing.

Usage notes: In Icelandic, tilraun carries a neutral tone and does not inherently imply success or failure; context determines interpretation. It is used in formal writing about experiments in science, medicine, and technology, as well as in informal speech about trying new ideas or techniques.

Translations: In English, tilraun is typically translated as “experiment” or “trial.” The verb phrase ger a tilraun or gera tilraun can be rendered as “to make an attempt” or “to run an experiment,” depending on context.