colonoscopy

American  

[koh-luh-nos-kuh-pee] / ˌkoʊ ləˈnɒs kə pi /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. visual inspection of the interior of the colon with a flexible, lighted tube inserted through the rectum.

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colonoscopy Scientific  

/ kō′lə-nŏs′kə-pē /

1. Inspection of the interior surface of the colon with a flexible endoscope that is equipped to obtain tissue samples and inserted through the rectum.

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Other Word Forms

• colonoscopic
  adjective
• colonoscopically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of colonoscopy

First recorded in 1900–05; colon ² ( def. ) + -o- ( def. ) + -scopy ( def. )

Example Sentences

He said: "One came back with indications of blood in my stool. I went through further tests, and it was at the colonoscopy that they identified a cancer in my bowel."

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

Rachel, who does not want the BBC to use her surname, said an indentation in her abdomen had been picked up during a regular colonoscopy for another condition.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

A colonoscopy found "something of a significant size and of a significant concern".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

This highlights the importance of screening strategies and follow up colonoscopy schedules that reflect differences between polyp types.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

And in the middle of Eisman’s colonoscopy, a roomful of doctors and nurses retold the story of Eisman’s genius.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis