| clinical trial | (n) a rigorously controlled test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on human subjects; in the United States it is conducted under the direction of the FDA before being made available for general clinical use, Syn. clinical test |
| preclinical trial | (n) a laboratory test of a new drug or a new invasive medical device on animal subjects; conducted to gather evidence justifying a clinical trial, Syn. preclinical phase, preclinical test |