1 [C] (formal) = EXAM:
to sit an examination in mathematics * successful candidates in GCSE examinations * Applicants are selected for jobs on the results of a competitive examination.
HELPNOTE Use take / do / sit an examination not _w_r_i_t_e_ _a_n_ _e_x_a_m_i_n_a_t_i_o_n_.
2 [U,C] the act of looking at or considering sth very carefully:
Careful examination of the ruins revealed an even earlier temple. * On closer examination it was found that the signature was not genuine. * Your proposals are still under examination. * The issue needs further examination. * The chapter concludes with a brief examination of some of the factors causing family break-up.
3 [C] a close look at sth/sb, especially to see if there is anything wrong or to find the cause of a problem:
a medical examination * a post-mortem examination
seealsoCROSS-EXAMINATION
