Pap smear
noun
a sample of cells taken from the cervix or vagina, which is then examined for pathological characteristics to screen for cervical cancer or other diseases.
Pap smears
-
pluralof Pap smear.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Doctors typically swab a patient’s cervix in clinical settings to test for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, an infection that can cause cancer when left untreated, through Pap smears and HPV testing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 5, 2026
This is after a big decline in cervical cancer rates over the past half-century due to early detection from Pap smears and HPV screening tests.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 11, 2024
But Pap smears can be painful and feel invasive to patients.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 31, 2021
Beyond Pap smears and height, weight, and blood pressure measurements, no part of the physical exam has been clearly shown to increase disease detection, improve health, or decrease mortality.
From Salon ● Oct. 15, 2021
Many patients last year missed mammograms, Pap smears and other preventive care, so it’s a good time to catch up on care that’s been delayed.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 11, 2021
