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
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In any clinical trial, when the drug being studied against a placebo is found to be safe and effective, the trial is stopped. Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025 Marques previously led a clinical trial investigating the effect of taking an SCFA supplement on blood pressure, and a further trial is currently recruiting participants. Paul McClure 01, New Atlas, 1 June 2025 Decentralized clinical trials provide several benefits for study participants and health researchers. Carrie Madormo, Health, 31 May 2025 New Covid vaccines for another group — adults 65 and up and kids and adults with at least one medical condition that puts them at risk for severe illness — were exempted from the new requirement, meaning additional clinical trials aren’t needed. NBC news, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for clinical trial

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clinical trial was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Clinical trial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinical%20trial. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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