histology
Americannoun
-
the branch of biology dealing with the study of tissues.
-
the structure, especially the microscopic structure, of organic tissues.
noun
-
the study, esp the microscopic study, of the tissues of an animal or plant
-
the structure of a tissue or organ
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of histology
Explanation
Histology is the scientific study of the tiniest cells that make up plants and animals. If you're interested in histology, you need to get a microscope. Some biologists are most fascinated with the microscopic — so small they're invisible without a microscope — details of organisms. These scientists study histology, examining the cells of plant and animal tissues. While the Greek root of the word histology is histo, or "anything that stands upright," it is used in medical terminology to talk about tissues. The Greek suffix ology simply means "branch of science."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Histology techniques often require specialized stains, high-end equipment and carefully preserved samples, and they still struggle to depict fiber crossings clearly.
From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025
Figure 21.7 Location, Structure, and Histology of the Thymus The thymus lies above the heart.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
Figure 21.8 Structure and Histology of a Lymph Node Lymph nodes are masses of lymphatic tissue located along the larger lymph vessels.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
Figure 23.16 Histology of the Stomach The stomach wall is adapted for the functions of the stomach.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
Histology sounds like history, but for some reason, I think it has to do with skin.
From "Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
