biopsy

[bahy-op-see]

noun

plural

biopsies 

1. the removal for diagnostic study of a piece of tissue from a living body.

2. a specimen obtained from a biopsy.

verb (used with object)

biopsied, biopsying 

1. to remove (living tissue) for diagnostic evaluation.

biopsy

/ ˈbaɪɒpsɪ, baɪˈɒptɪk /

noun

1. examination, esp under a microscope, of tissue from a living body to determine the cause or extent of a disease

2. the sample taken for such an examination

biopsy

1. A sample of tissue removed from a living body by a medical provider for diagnostic purposes.

Other Word Forms

• bioptic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biopsy¹

First recorded in 1890–95; bi- ² + -opsy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of biopsy¹

C20: from _bio- + Greek opsis sight

Example Sentences

Dawn Lord, 51, believed she was attending an appointment at the University Hospital of Hartlepool to discuss future procedures when her doctor told her she needed to take a biopsy.

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His first biopsy was taken in January 2024 when cancer was suspected.

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Under current best-practice guidelines, men should receive an MRI and biopsy within a week of urgent GP referral - but waits can be longer depending on radiologist capacity.

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Ms Hughes had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy on the day, and received the diagnosis the following week.

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To better understand these effects, the Salk team first analyzed human liver cancer biopsies to identify which bile acids were present.

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Related Words

• autopsy 
• inquiry 
• observation 
• probe 
• test