clinical trial

noun

: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (such as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects

Examples of clinical trial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Only about 5% of adults with cancer participate in clinical trials, and fewer than 10% of those participants represent people who are historically marginalized. —Paula Schneider, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

Companies including Elon Musk's Neuralink are conducting clinical trials to test implants that allow people with paralysis to translate their thoughts into physical actions. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025

There are several challenges that need to be overcome before this treatment can become available. Safety and efficacy: The treatment will require extensive clinical trials to ascertain safety in humans. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

However, this has not been proven in any clinical trials. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clinical trial

• sensorial
• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• dial
• rial
• thiol
• vial
• supervisorial

Medical Definition

clinical trial

noun

: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects