Definition: In biomedical and scientific contexts, “bench” refers to the physical laboratory workspace where experiments are performed. It is also used metonymically to describe basic or preclinical scientific research.

Common uses:

• 'Bench work': Practical hands-on laboratory experimentation.
• 'Bench research': Basic science research, often involving molecular biology, cell culture, or chemical analysis.
• 'Bench-to-bedside': The process of translating discoveries from the laboratory into clinical applications.

Related terms:

• 'Bench scientist': A researcher who performs lab-based experiments.
• 'Bench study': An experiment performed in vitro or in a model system, outside of living humans or animals.