biopsy

[ bahy-op-see ]

/ ˈbaɪ ɒp si /

Medicine/Medical

SEE SYNONYMS FOR biopsy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural bi·op·sies.

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

a specimen obtained from a biopsy.

verb (used with object), bi·op·sied, bi·op·sy·ing.

to remove (living tissue) for diagnostic evaluation.

Words nearby biopsy

bioplastic, biopoiesis, biopolymer, bioprocess, bioprospecting, biopsy, biopsychic, biopsychology, bioreactor, bioreagent, bioregion

Origin of biopsy

First recorded in 1890–95; bi-² + -opsy¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for biopsy

In the small living room where we last met, he seemed more gaunt than wiry, his ear bandaged after a biopsy.
A Friend’s Tribute to Ambassador Chris Stevens: The Diplomatic Indiana Jones|Roya Hakakian|September 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Once a PSA test comes back with an abnormal result, a biopsy is required to make a diagnosis.
Are PSA Screenings for Prostate Cancer Bad for Your Health?|Casey Schwartz|May 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But he went forward with a painful biopsy, and then opted for surgery when the biopsy showed cancer.
Are PSA Screenings for Prostate Cancer Bad for Your Health?|Casey Schwartz|May 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A biopsy, in the majority of cases, reveals the blip to be benign.
The Great Mammogram Debate|Liesl Schillinger|November 18, 2009|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for biopsy

biopsy

/ (ˈbaɪɒpsɪ) /

noun plural -sies

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

the sample taken for such an examination

Derived forms of biopsy

bioptic (baɪˈɒptɪk), adjective

Word Origin for biopsy

C20: from bio- + Greek opsis sight

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012