oncology
Americannoun
-
the branch of medical science dealing with tumors, including the origin, development, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant neoplasms.
-
the study of cancer.
noun
Other Word Forms
- oncologic adjective
- oncological adjective
- oncologist noun
Etymology
Origin of oncology
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.
Vocabulary lists containing oncology
The Fault in Our Stars
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
National Nurses Week: Medical Branches and Conditions
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week In Culture: October 17–23, 2020
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Analysts highlight J&J’s strong positions in oncology, dermatology, and gastroenterology, with oncology sales projected to reach $58.2 billion by 2032.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Gilead Sciences agreed to acquire German biotechnology company Tubulis for up to $5 billion to bolster its oncology pipeline.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
That question remains one of the biggest challenges in modern oncology.
From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026
“This transaction further diversifies and strengthens our position in oncology as we continue to look for opportunities to broaden our portfolio into other therapeutic areas,” said Merck CEO Robert Davis.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026
A distinction is thus drawn between cysts and growths—one which is of daily importance in the practice of medicine—and Virchow's oncology includes the consideration of the two varieties of tumors.
From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
