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

With additional clinical data, the model could become even more accurate and eventually match colonoscopy performance.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"If you've had both types of polyps, it's especially important to stay on top of your colonoscopy schedule."

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

He said it was good that the doctor removed the polyps before they could turn into cancer and that I had inspired him to get a colonoscopy soon.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

A year later, he went back to the same doctor for a colonoscopy.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis