: a magnifying instrument designed to facilitate visual inspection of the vagina and cervix

Word History

Etymology

Greek kolpos hollow, bosom, vagina, womb + English -scope — more at gulf

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colposcope was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colposcope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colposcope. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

colposcope

noun
: a magnifying instrument designed to facilitate visual inspection of the vagina and cervix

More from Merriam-Webster on colposcope

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!