: a test for hypersensitivity to tuberculin as an indication of past or present tubercular infection
Word History
First Known Use
1892, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
tuberculin test
noun
: a test (as the Mantoux test or tine test) for hypersensitivity to tuberculin in which tuberculin is introduced (as by injection or puncture) usually into the skin of the individual tested and the appearance of inflammation or induration at the site of introduction is construed as indicating past or present tubercular infection