animal model

noun

: an animal sufficiently like humans in its anatomy, physiology, or response to a pathogen to be used in medical research in order to obtain results that can be extrapolated to human medicine

also : a pathological or physiological condition that occurs in such an animal and is similar to one occurring in humans

Examples of animal model in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers now plan to test the device in larger animal models. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026

Researchers have seen benefits in animal models of PD last for weeks after treatment, and early human trials are under way, using optical fibers that put the light close to the diseased cells. —Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

Additionally, the results of the animal models can't be translated directly to humans. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026

Shawna Pandya pointed out that there have in fact been reproductive studies on a wide range of animal models, including rodents, jellyfish, quail, sea urchins, and fish. —Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for animal model

• caudal
• caudle
• dawdle
• twaddle
• waddle
• remodel

Medical Definition

animal model

noun

: an animal sufficiently like humans in its anatomy, physiology, or response to a pathogen to be used in medical research in order to obtain results that can be extrapolated to human medicine

also : a pathological or physiological condition that occurs in such an animal and is similar (as in its pathology or physiology) to a human condition

experimental allergic encephalomyelitis is a useful animal model in the study of multiple sclerosis in humans