1. noun
The scholarly process whereby manuscripts intended to be published in an academic journal are reviewed by independent researchers (referees) to evaluate the contribution, i.e. the importance, novelty and accuracy of the manuscripts contents.
2006 National Institute for Literacy, What is Scientifically Based Research?, p2:
2. verb
The reviewing before publication, by an authority or authorities in the pertinent field of study, of the written form of an idea, hypothesis, theory, and/or written discussion of such.
Three drafts of his report were peer reviewed before it was accepted for publication.
3. adjective
A written idea, hypothesis, or theory that has been reviewed and accepted by experts as worthy of publication in the professional literature of the experts field.
2006 National Institute for Literacy, What is Scientifically Based Research?, p2:
Wikipedia foundation.