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

Notably, many teams are investigating organoids as an alternative to animal models in neuroscience and toxicology research. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Dec. 2025

Following on from animal models, TY1 will next be studied in a clinical trial. —New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025

Studies in animal models, as well as observational studies of people taking the drug to treat diabetes or weight gain, hinted that the drug may slow the advance of Alzheimer’s. —Alice Park, Time, 24 Nov. 2025

Perhaps one day, technological advances will make animal models obsolete; lately, the White House has been promoting AI’s potential to replace some animal testing. —Melanie D.g. Kaplan, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2025

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