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.

noun

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

n.

1. A test in which strains of Salmonella that are unable to synthesize histidine are introduced into a test substance lacking in histidine. If the strains then regain the ability to synthesize histidine, the substance is considered mutagenic and thus carcinogenic.