gynecology

American  

[gahy-ni-kol-uh-jee, jin-i-, jahy-ni-] / ˌgaɪ nɪˈkɒl ə dʒi, ˌdʒɪn ɪ-, ˌdʒaɪ nɪ- /

noun

1. the branch of medical science that deals with the health maintenance and diseases of women, especially of the reproductive organs. GYN, gyn

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gynecology Scientific  

/ gī′nĭ-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the female reproductive system, its diseases, and their treatment.

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gynecology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the care of women, and particularly to the study and care of the female reproductive system.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• gynecologic
  adjective
• gynecological
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of gynecology

First recorded in 1840–50; gyneco- + -logy

Explanation

Gynecology is the medical specialty of female health, particularly the reproductive system. A study of gynecology includes a lot of information about pregnancy and childbirth. A doctor whose expertise is gynecology is usually also an obstetrician, or a physician who provides prenatal and childbirth care to a pregnant woman. Gynecology also includes the treatment of diseases and conditions that only affect women. The word comes from the French gynécologie, which is based on the Greek roots gyne, "women," and -logy, "study of."

Example Sentences

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology said doctors across the country have consistently identified Tylenol as one of the only safe pain relievers for pregnant women.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2025

The research was presented at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine’s annual pregnancy meeting in National Harbor, Md. An abstract was published in a supplement to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in January.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

She was a postdoctoral fellow at the Emory University School of Medicine's Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023

Herndon began working as a physician at UW Medicine’s Center Reproductive Care clinic in 2017 and as an assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2023

In December 1971, when Jones and his colleagues published their tribute to Gey in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, they reported that the original pathologist had “misinterpreted” and “mislabeled” Henrietta’s cancer.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot