ames test: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/TechnicalAcademic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ames test” mean?
A biological assay used to test the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A biological assay used to test the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds.
A standard laboratory procedure developed by Bruce Ames that uses strains of bacteria to detect mutations, primarily used as a screening test for potential carcinogens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in usage; it is a standardized scientific term.
Connotations
Strongly associated with toxicology, genetic research, and regulatory safety testing.
Frequency
Used exclusively in academic, research, and industrial toxicology contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “ames test” in a Sentence
The [compound] was evaluated using the Ames test.The Ames test for [substance] showed mutagenicity.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ames test” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Ames-test data was conclusive.
American English
- The Ames test data was conclusive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetics industries for regulatory compliance and product safety dossiers.
Academic
Core term in toxicology, genetics, and pharmacology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A standard, specific protocol in genetic toxicology and regulatory science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ames test”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ames test”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ames test”
- Writing 'ames test' in lowercase.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We ames tested it').
- Confusing it with other toxicology tests like the micronucleus test.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A positive result indicates that the tested chemical causes mutations in the bacterial DNA, suggesting it may be mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic.
No, it is a preliminary screening tool. A positive result typically triggers more comprehensive testing (e.g., animal studies) for a definitive risk assessment.
It was developed by the American biochemist and molecular geneticist Bruce Ames and his colleagues in the early 1970s.
It uses specially engineered strains of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium that are sensitive to mutation-inducing agents.
A biological assay used to test the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds.
Ames test is usually academic/scientific in register.
Ames test: in British English it is pronounced /eɪmz ˌtest/, and in American English it is pronounced /eɪmz ˌtest/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Ames tests for chemical MESSes in your genes.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCREENING AS A SIEVE (it filters out potentially dangerous chemicals).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of the Ames test?