próbka

Próbka is a Polish noun that designates a small portion of something taken for inspection, analysis, or demonstration. The term is commonly used to refer to a sample of a product offered to consumers, such as a free or promotional sample. In scientific and medical contexts, próbkа describes a specimen collected for testing, for example prоbka krwi (blood sample) or próbka moczu (urine sample). It is also used for material taken for quality control or material testing, such as próbka tkaniny (fabric swatch) or próbka metalowa (metal sample).

In statistics and research, próbkа denotes a subset of a population selected for analysis, with phrases like losowa próbka (random sample) or próbka badawcza (research sample). The concept emphasizes a representative fragment rather than the entire whole, enabling conclusions about the larger group or batch.

Etymology: próbkа is derived from próba, meaning trial or test, with the diminutive suffix -ka, forming a noun that conveys a small piece chosen for examination. Related terms include próba for a test or rehearsal in other contexts, though próbka primarily refers to a tangible sample or specimen.

Próbka is widely used across domains such as commerce, medicine, science, and manufacturing, reflecting its core idea of a small, analyzable portion drawn from a larger quantity. See also próba for related concepts of testing and trial.