Pronunciation: [mˈɪlk sˈampə͡l] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "milk sample" can be seen as straightforward, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for "milk" is /mɪlk/, which is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a clear "l" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "sample" is /ˈsæmpl/, which is pronounced with a stressed "a" sound and a clear "p" and "l" sound. When combined, the word is pronounced as /mɪlk ˈsæmpl/.
A milk sample refers to a small quantity of milk taken from a larger batch or supply for the purposes of analysis, testing, or examination. It is a representative portion of milk that is extracted in a careful and controlled manner to obtain accurate information about its quality, composition, and characteristics.
Milk samples are commonly collected by professionals in the dairy industry, such as milk inspectors, laboratory technicians, or veterinarians, to assess the milk's safety, freshness, nutritional content, or any potential presence of contaminants. The samples are often obtained from bulk tanks, individual animals, or containers, ensuring representativeness across different sources and batches.
Once collected, milk samples are subjected to various tests and analyses, including but not limited to sensory evaluation, microbiological examination, chemical analysis, or genetic testing. These examinations enable the identification of any abnormalities, defects, spoilage, adulteration, or diseases that might affect the quality or suitability of the milk for consumption or further processing.
The findings from milk sample analysis serve as crucial information for dairy producers, processors, regulators, and researchers to make informed decisions regarding product quality, herd management, food safety, compliance with regulations, or the development of new dairy products. By studying milk samples, scientists can determine its nutritional content, identify the presence of pathogens, monitor the effectiveness of sanitation practices, detect antibiotic residues, or assess the impact of feeding practices on milk composition. Overall, milk samples play a vital role in ensuring high-quality dairy products that meet consumer expectations and health standards.
The word "milk" comes from the Old English word "meoluc" or "meluc", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*meluks". This root word is related to the Dutch word "melk", German word "Milch", and the Old Norse word "mjolk".
The word "sample" comes from the Old French word "essample", which is derived from the Latin word "exemplum" meaning "example" or "model". "Exemplum" is formed from the Latin prefix "ex-" meaning "out" and "emplum" meaning "a mold or a cast".
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "milk sample" is a combination of the Old English word for milk and the Latin-based word for example or model.
