mirror test

noun

A test to determine whether a non-human animal possesses the ability of self-recognition, carried out by introducing the animal to a mirror, painting a mark on the animal, and observing whether it touches the mark on its own body after seeing it in the mirror image.

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Meanings

nounmirror test (plural mirror tests)

plural mirror tests

  1. A test to determine whether a non-human animal possesses the ability of self-recognition, carried out by introducing the animal to a mirror, painting a mark on the animal, and observing whether it touches the mark on its own body after seeing it in the mirror image.
Cite this entry
APA

mirror test. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/mirror%20test

MLA

“mirror test.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/mirror%20test. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “mirror test,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/mirror%20test.

Source: mirror test on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.