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 others have demonstrated efficacy in Covid animal models, but entering human clinical trials could take another year or two. —Maggie Chen, WIRED, 26 July 2022

Many of these studies use animal models, especially mice. —Celia Ford, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

The company has already seen success in animal models, and recently raised $16 million from investors to start moving these drugs into clinical trials within the next few months. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Since the studies rely on animal models, more research is needed to determine whether these anti-arthritic effects translate to humans. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

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