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

Because the study relied on laboratory cell cultures and animal models, the findings may not directly translate to how human patients process these supplements during treatment, the team noted. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Bacteria engineered to sense and reduce glucose levels could be the future of type 2 diabetes treatments, following pre-clinical trials on animal models. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

For the new study, Chang’s team created specialized fluorescent animal models that enabled them to visualize and isolate all of the cardiac neurons on the heart. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Why the Case for Eating Oysters Isn’t Settled Every finding above comes from cell cultures or animal models, not human eating trials. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 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