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 lobby is lined with sparkling white marble and littered with glass display cabinets containing golden animal models made by local artisans. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

May Improve Cholesterol Levels Much of the research on the cholesterol-lowering effects of carom seeds is on animal models. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

The bros don leather vests and Nigel Barker takes photos of them posing with Jenn and various animal models. —Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 15 July 2024

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

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