preclinical

American  

[pree-klin-i-kuhl] / priˈklɪn ɪ kəl /

adjective

Medicine/Medical.

1. of or relating to the period prior to the appearance of the symptoms.

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preclinical British  

/ priːˈklɪnɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or occurring during the early phases of a disease before accurate diagnosis is possible

2. of, relating to, or designating an early period of scientific study by a medical student before practical experience with patients

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Other Word Forms

• preclinically adverb

Etymology

Origin of preclinical

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + clinical

Example Sentences

Students have received less rigorous preclinical education in genetics, biochemistry and epidemiology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"The previous results are quite promising in the preclinical context, but comprehensive pharmacological development, toxicological experiments, and clinical studies are needed to realize a possible application in humans," he says.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Edwards, who uses advanced imaging technology at Mizzou's Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center for his research, hopes to advance this technique from preclinical studies to human clinical trials within the next seven years.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

The treatment has been tested in earlier studies and is currently undergoing additional preclinical research.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

The symposium included twelve specialists representing nutrition, food science, dietetics, nutrition metabolism and physiology, cardiovascular and cognitive health, gut health and microbiology, and both preclinical and clinical research models.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026