oncology

American  

[ong-kol-uh-jee] / ɒŋˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of medical science dealing with tumors, including the origin, development, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant neoplasms.

2. the study of cancer.

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oncology British  

/ ˌɒŋkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ɒŋˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the study, classification, and treatment of tumours

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oncology Scientific  

/ ŏn-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

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oncology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study, treatment, and cure of cancer.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• oncologist
  noun
• oncologic
  adjective
• oncological
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of oncology

First recorded in 1855–60; onco- + -logy

Explanation

Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with tumors and cancer. A doctor who practices oncology is called an oncologist. You probably think of cancer treatment as a modern practice, but the word oncology has its roots in ancient Greek. The prefix onkos means "mass or bulk” (and eventually evolved into the modern Latin onco — meaning tumor) and the suffix logy means “study of.” In theory, the word means “the study of tumors.” More often, though, you will hear oncology in relation to treatment and practical medicine, as opposed to just study or research.