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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for cytology
The first known use of cytology was in 1857
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