n.[C]

1. 论说文；散文，随笔，小品文[（+on/about）]
   The professor wrote an essay on Homer.

   这位教授写了一篇关于荷马的文章。

2. 【书】尝试；企图[（+at）]
   This is a bold essay in the field of electrochemistry.

   这是在电化学领域中的一个大胆尝试。

vt.【书】

1. 作尝试；试图[+to-V]
   He essayed to speak but was told to be quiet.

   他试图发言，但主席让他不要讲话。

n.

1. a piece of writing on a particular subject.
2. formal an attempt or effort.
3. a trial design of a postage stamp.

v.