Word
preclinical
Phoneticspre·clin·i·cal, stress on the second syllable
/pɹiˈkɫɪnɪkəɫ/
Definition
adj. happening before a disease shows clear signs, or before a new drug is tested on people. Doctors use it for early lab research and early stages of illness.
adj. preceding the appearance of clear symptoms or the stage of testing in humans. Typically describes laboratory and animal research carried out before clinical trials begin.
Examples
“Scientists do preclinical tests before human trials.”
“The new vaccine showed good results in preclinical studies on mice, so the team applied for approval to start human trials.”
“Preclinical evidence suggested the compound could slow tumor growth, yet researchers cautioned that laboratory success often fails to predict how patients will respond in later clinical phases.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists do preclinical tests before human trials.”
contextual
“The new vaccine showed good results in preclinical studies on mice, so the team applied for approval to start human trials.”
complex
“Preclinical evidence suggested the compound could slow tumor growth, yet researchers cautioned that laboratory success often fails to predict how patients will respond in later clinical phases.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “preclinical” in context.
Verb
01. evaluate in preclinical
“The compound was evaluated in preclinical models with promising results.”
verb + prep + adj
Noun
02. preclinical data
“Strong preclinical data supported approval for first human trials.”
adj + noun
03. preclinical model
“Researchers tested the treatment in a preclinical model of Parkinson's.”
adj + noun
04. preclinical research
“Scientists conduct preclinical research before starting human trials.”
adj + noun
05. preclinical stage
“The therapy is still at the preclinical stage of development.”
adj + noun
06. preclinical study
“A recent preclinical study showed the drug reduced tumours in mice.”
adj + noun
07. preclinical testing
“The compound is still undergoing preclinical testing in the laboratory.”
adj + noun
08. complete preclinical testing
“The company completed preclinical testing before applying for approval.”
09. conduct preclinical research
“They conducted preclinical research for two years before human trials.”
10. detect in preclinical phase
“Blood tests may detect Alzheimer's in the preclinical phase.”
11. in the preclinical stage
“The new cancer drug is still in the preclinical stage.”
12. move from preclinical to clinical
“The therapy moved from preclinical to clinical testing last year.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'preclinical trial' or 'preclinical stage'.
Real-World Examples
“DHCA has previously been investigated in preclinical studies of wound healing and the regulation of bone-forming cells.” “Although these findings are encouraging, the cancer-treatment results remain preclinical.” “In preclinical studies (animal models), CBL-514 reduced body weight as well as subcutaneous and visceral abdominal tissue (VAT).” “The epilepsy drug lacosamide appears to block a protein involved in both pain signaling and cartilage destruction, helping damaged joints shift back toward repair in preclinical studies.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/preclinical