1. (

• lab ,
• laboratory ,
• research_lab ,
• research_laboratory ,
• science_lab ,
• science_laboratory

) a workplace for the conduct of scientific research ;

2. (

• testing_ground ,
• laboratory

) a region resembling a laboratory inasmuch as it offers opportunities for observation and practice and experimentation; "the new nation is a testing ground for socioeconomic theories"; "Pakistan is a laboratory for studying the use of American troops to combat terrorism" ;