comparator

noun

com·​par·​a·​tor kəm-ˈper-ə-tər 

-ˈpa-rə-

: a device for comparing something with a similar thing or with a standard measure

Examples of comparator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prasad took issue with the comparator arm Moderna used in its trial. —Allison Deangelis, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026

The company used Fluarix as its standard-dose comparator in an over 40,000-person clinical trial for the new mRNA flu shot, called mRNA-1010. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Moderna disputes that reasoning, noting that FDA rules and guidance do not actually require trials to use the most advanced or highest-dose vaccine as a comparator in clinical studies. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026

But some legal experts have observed that the Vullo case could be a relevant comparator if any legal action were undertaken in the matter or similar situations in the future. —Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

comparator

noun

com·​par·​a·​tor kəm-ˈpar-ət-ər 

1

: an apparatus used for determining concentration of dissolved substances (as hydrogen ions) in solution by color comparison with known standards

2

: an instrument, device, or set of charts (as for use in chemical analysis and medical diagnosis) for the determination and specification of colors by direct comparison with a standardized system of colors