colposcope

[ kol-puh-skohp ]

noun

1. an instrument that magnifies the cells of the cervix and vagina to permit direct observation and study of the living tissue.

colposcope

/ kɒlpəˈskəʊpɪ; ˈkɒlpəˌskəʊp /

noun

1. an instrument for examining the uterine cervix, esp for early signs of cancer

Derived Forms

• colposcopy, noun

Other Words From

• col·po·scop·ic [kol-p, uh, -, skop, -ik], adjective
• col·pos·co·pist [kol-, pos, -k, uh, -pist], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of colposcope¹

1935–40; < Greek kólp ( os ) womb, vagina + -o- + -scope

Word History and Origins

Origin of colposcope¹

C20: from colpo- + -scope