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

"I saw the doctor on Monday – on the following Thursday I had mammography and a biopsy and from then on it went so quickly my head was spinning, almost."

From BBC

However, the biopsy that came back after his prostatectomy showed that his cancer was likely Stage 2, not Stage 1 as originally thought, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Further investigation, including biopsy surgery, revealed three 'low grade' tumours.

From BBC

An MRI, further ultrasounds and biopsies revealed she had Stage 1 invasive cancer, and Munn underwent a double mastectomy.

From Los Angeles Times

Then came a biopsy in January to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• autopsy 
• inquiry 
• observation 
• probe 
• test