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 next step will be testing the implant on larger sets of teeth in animal models, then a human trial. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 June 2025

In recent decades, studies on animal models, especially in rodents, have confirmed that splitting sound processing across the brain is not uniquely human, opening the door to more closely dissecting how this occurs. —Hysell V. Oviedo, The Conversation, 4 June 2025

In the case of spinal muscular atrophy, this approach in animal models led to healthier development and longer survival. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

The conclusions are based on animal models and blood tests that measure the immune response. —Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 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