cytology

noun

cy·tol·o·gy | \ sī-ˈtä-lə-jē

Definition of cytology

1a : a branch of biology dealing with the structure, function, multiplication, pathology, and life history of cells : cell biology

b : the cellular aspects of a phenomenon, process, or structure liver cytology

2 : the microscopic examination of cells obtained from the body (as by aspiration or scraping) for diagnostic purposes : exfoliative cytology A Mayo study found that cytology is only 40 percent sensitive in detecting bladder cancer among people who have the disease. — Mayo Clinic Health Letter

— called also cytopathology

Other Words from cytology More Example Sentences Phrases Containing cytology Learn More About cytology

Other Words from cytology

cytological \ ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-ji-kəl

\ or cytologic \ ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-jik

\ adjective

cytologically \ ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

cytologist \ sī-ˈtä-lə-jist

\ noun

Examples of cytology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Lauro Cavazos earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1949 and a master’s in zoological cytology, the study of cells, in 1951. — New York Times, 16 Mar. 2022 Born in 1917, Ranadive earned a doctorate in cytology, the study of cells, while working at the Indian Cancer Research Center. — Brett Molina, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2021 The World Health Organization suggests mass screening can currently be suggested for breast and cervical cancer, using mammography and cytology screening. — Ran Poliakine, Forbes, 17 May 2021 In addition to her teaching duties, and despite not having the support of a research university, Yasui also embarked on her own research in plant cytology, the study of plant cells. — Leila Mcneill, Smithsonian, 21 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cytology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About cytology

Dictionary Entries Near cytology

cytologic diagnosis

cytology

cytolymph

Statistics for cytology

Cite this Entry

“Cytology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytology. Accessed 5 Jul. 2022.

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More Definitions for cytology

cytology

noun

cy·tol·o·gy | \ sī-ˈtäl-ə-jē

plural cytologies

Medical Definition of cytology

1a : a branch of biology dealing with the structure, function, multiplication, pathology, and life history of cells : cell biology

b : the cellular aspects of a phenomenon, process, or structure the cytology of cancer liver cytology

2 : the microscopic examination of cells obtained from the body (as by aspiration or scraping) for diagnostic purposes : exfoliative cytology A Mayo study found that cytology is only 40 percent sensitive in detecting bladder cancer among people who have the disease. — Mayo Clinic Health Letter

— called also cytopathology

Other Words from cytology

cytological \ ˌsīt-ᵊl-ˈäj-i-kəl

\ or cytologic \ -ˈäj-ik

\ adjective

cytological examination cytologic techniques

cytologically \ -i-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

cytologically normal cells a cytologically confirmed carcinoma

cytologist \ sī-ˈtäl-ə-jəst

\ noun