oncology
Americannoun
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the branch of medical science dealing with tumors, including the origin, development, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant neoplasms.
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the study of cancer.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of oncology
Explanation
Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with tumors and cancer. A doctor who practices oncology is called an oncologist. You probably think of cancer treatment as a modern practice, but the word oncology has its roots in ancient Greek. The prefix onkos means "mass or bulk” (and eventually evolved into the modern Latin onco — meaning tumor) and the suffix logy means “study of.” In theory, the word means “the study of tumors.” More often, though, you will hear oncology in relation to treatment and practical medicine, as opposed to just study or research.
Vocabulary lists containing oncology
The Fault in Our Stars
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National Nurses Week: Medical Branches and Conditions
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This Week In Culture: October 17–23, 2020
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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.
Friedmann Angeli says the importance of ferroptosis extends beyond oncology.
From Science Daily • May 15, 2026
The company said last month that it agreed to acquire Tubulis, a German biotechnology firm, for $3.15 billion in a bid to expand its oncology portfolio.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
The company said the savings would help it as it seeks to move its oncology pipeline toward commercialization.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
Beyond tirzepatide, this category includes medications in immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, such as the dermatitis injection Ebglyss and the breast cancer pill Inluriyo.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
A distinction is thus drawn between cysts and growths—one which is of daily importance in the practice of medicine—and Virchow's oncology includes the consideration of the two varieties of tumors.
From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various
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.
