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

In one Lancet study, doctors were less likely to detect possibly-cancerous spots on colonoscopy after they were used to using an AI tool. —Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 10 Nov. 2025

After a series of tests, including a colonoscopy, MRI, PET scan and biopsy, Rogers was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

There are currently established screening methods for various cancers, including mammograms, pap tests, colonoscopies, and tests for the prostate and lungs. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025

Colon cancer is a highly preventable disease, and colonoscopy screening is an especially effective preventive measure. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing colonoscopy

• virtual colonoscopy

Rhymes for colonoscopy

• laparoscopy
• arthroscopy
• colposcopy
• cystoscopy
• 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