biopsy

[ bahy-op-see ]

/ ˈbaɪ ɒp si /

Medicine/Medical

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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.

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Origin of biopsy

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

Words nearby biopsy

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use biopsy in a sentence

Called digital PCR, it is also employed in so-called liquid biopsies to spot signs of cancer in a blood draw.
The fast-spreading coronavirus variant is turning up in US sewers|Stephanie Arnett|February 8, 2021|MIT Technology Review
Neither biopsies nor MRIs show anything of note in muscles supposedly affected with knots.
A step-by-step guide to giving yourself a massage|Sandra Gutierrez G.|January 14, 2021|Popular-Science
A small sample of cells is taken from an animal, usually via biopsy, and then fed a broth of nutrients.
Your first lab-grown burger is coming soon—and it’ll be “blended”|Katie McLean|December 18, 2020|MIT Technology Review
The first procedure was in 1985—a neurosurgical biopsy using a PUMA 560 robotic surgical arm.
Robotic surgery gives doctors new savvy|Jason Sparapani|November 9, 2020|MIT Technology Review

The doctor needs to balance acting on intuition versus harming a patient by doing biopsies that aren’t needed.
We’re not ready for AI, says the winner of a new $1m AI prize|Will Heaven|September 23, 2020|MIT Technology Review
On the day he had his lung biopsy – an invasive and uncomfortable procedure – Linda asked whether it had bothered him very much.
My Eulogy for My Father, Murray Frum|David Frum|May 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I had my bilateral back in March, after an ugly biopsy result.
Angelina’s Bold Boob Move|Michelle Cottle|May 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
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

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