biopsy

[ bahy-op-see ]

noun

, plural bi·op·sies.

1. the removal for diagnostic study of a piece of tissue from a living body.
2. a specimen obtained from a biopsy.

verb (used with object)

, bi·op·sied, bi·op·sy·ing.

1. to remove (living tissue) for diagnostic evaluation.

biopsy

/ ˈbaɪɒpsɪ; baɪˈɒptɪk /

noun

1. examination, esp under a microscope, of tissue from a living body to determine the cause or extent of a disease
2. the sample taken for such an examination

biopsy

/ bī′ŏp′sē /

1. A sample of tissue removed from a living body by a medical provider for diagnostic purposes.

Derived Forms

• bioptic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biopsy¹

First recorded in 1890–95; bi- ² + -opsy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of biopsy¹

C20: from bio- + Greek opsis sight

Example Sentences

He asked his doctors to remove it and conduct a biopsy, which came back cancerous.

From Los Angeles Times

Reaching this conclusion based on the biomarkers is like diagnosing cancer without doing a biopsy.

From Los Angeles Times

He said there had been a delay in getting biopsy results for Ms Turbill, which he said was because of a shortage of trained staff and staff-leave.

From BBC

In October of that year, a biopsy found a Grade 2 ductal cancer, the same grade as her original cancer, Mr Ströhle said.

From BBC

Mr Ströhle told inquest counsel Jonathan Jones that his partner first saw Paterson privately in June 2002 after a biopsy found cancer in her left breast.

From BBC

Related Words

• autopsy
• inquiry
• observation
• probe
• test