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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
After four months, Cheryl became eligible for another Alzheimer’s clinical trial.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Dec. 2024
For instance, clinical trials found that people on GLP-1 drugs were losing lots of muscle and bone as their bodies shrank in size; in fact, these and other fat-free tissues accounted for 25 to 40 percent of their total weight loss.
—Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
Further clinical trials are needed to better understand and assess the potential mechanisms at work.
—New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
New clinical trial says this weight-loss medication sheds more pounds
BYLindsey Leake
Most Popular
2 days ago
Tech
The lawyers who took on Tesla and Elon Musk wanted $5.6 billion for winning the case.
—Paolo Confino, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1946, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near clinical trial
Cite this Entry
“Clinical trial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinical%20trial. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on clinical trial
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clinical trial
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