English

Noun

sniff test ‎(plural sniff tests)

1. Diaphragm fluoroscopy.

Etymology 2

By metaphorical extension from an actual test one might perform with one's sense of smell, as for freshness of food.

Noun

sniff test ‎(plural sniff tests)

1. (idiomatic) An informal reality check of an idea or proposal, using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
   • 1993, Terry Collison, "How to ‘Sniff-Test’ a Venture," www.bluerockcapital.com (retrieved 8 Feb 2009):

     [S]niff-test issues... try to answer the basic question "Does this venture appear to make sense?"

Synonyms

• reality check

See also

• nose test
• smell test
• smoke test