a method of preliminary screening for carcinogens, based on their ability to cause mutations in bacteria
Word origin
named after Bruce Ames (born 1928), US biochemist who invented the test
Ames Test in American English
(eɪmz)
US
a laboratory test for the carcinogenic potential of a substance, in which bacteria are exposed to the substance to determine whether it will cause mutations
Word origin
after B. Ames (1928- ), U.S. biochemist who developed it