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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
Additional research available on this topic has mostly been performed on animal models.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 6 June 2024
Ethical concerns limit working with biological material from people, so researchers are left with animal models that aren’t able to replicate human physiology closely enough.
—Aitor Aguirre, The Conversation, 10 May 2024
Recent data from animal models suggests that alcohol and drugs of abuse directly influence changes in gene expression in areas of the brain that help drive memory and reward responses.
—Karla Kaun, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024
The limits of animal models But are animal studies good science?
—Erika Fry, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2024
Work in animal models has also shown that exercise changes gene expression by altering both histones and the molecular tags directly attached to DNA.
—Karla Kaun, Discover Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024
Mongolian gerbils who receive semicircular canal fenestration in their left inner ears offer a successful animal model for superior semicircular canal dehiscence.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 10 Apr. 2023
In animal models, studies have shown that stimulating NAD+ with NMN or NR can extend healthspan—defined as years lived in good health—and reduce premature aging, according to Renae Thomas, MD, MPH, a physician certified in family medicine, public health, and general preventive medicine.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 18 July 2023
On 6 June, the company reported that its technology had achieved gas exchange in animal models.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 June 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'animal model.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1955, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near animal model
Cite this Entry
“Animal model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal%20model. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
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
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