colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnä-skə-pē 

plural colonoscopies

: endoscopic examination of the colon

colonoscope

kō-ˈlä-nə-ˌskōp 

noun

Examples of colonoscopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ultrasound was followed by an MRI and a colonoscopy, Garcia said, and doctors ultimately discovered the cancer, which had started in the colon and spread to the liver. —ABC News, 8 May 2026

If a colonoscopy has no concerning findings, adults at average risk typically wait 10 years until the next one. —Holly Burns, Time, 6 May 2026

That's because insurance coverage for colonoscopy and other screenings is not standard until age 45. —Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026

The primary method has been routine colonoscopies, which are usually performed as an outpatient procedure requiring sedation and preparation. —Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colonoscopy

• virtual colonoscopy

Rhymes for colonoscopy

• laparoscopy
• arthroscopy
• fluoroscopy
• spectroscopy

Medical Definition

colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnäs-kə-pē  ˌkäl-ə- 

plural colonoscopies

: endoscopic examination of the colon

transabdominal colonoscopy with a sigmoidoscope via colotomy

colonoscopic

kō-ˌlän-ə-ˈskäp-ik 

adjective