Ames test

noun

1. a test that exposes a strain of bacteria to a chemical compound in order to determine the mutagenic potential of the compound.

Ames test

/ eɪmz /

noun

1. a method of preliminary screening for carcinogens, based on their ability to cause mutations in bacteria

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ames test¹

1975–80; after U.S. biochemist Bruce N. Ames (born 1928), who developed the test

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ames test¹

named after Bruce Ames (born 1928), US biochemist who invented the test