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Definition of proving ground - 3 dictionary results

proving ground

–noun
any place, context, or area for testing something, as a piece of scientific equipment, a theory, etc.

Origin:
1940–45
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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prov·ing ground   (prōō'vĭng)
n.  A place for testing new devices, weapons, or theories.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

proving ground

area used for testing devices and equipment, usually, though not always, military. Testing, in general, has for its purpose the determination of the durability and probable life of a piece of equipment. the enforcement of standards through sample testing (for example, of ammunition), the discovery of weaknesses to be corrected, and the effects of operating a device under various conditions, including extremes of temperature and weather, difficult terrain, and excessive use.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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