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
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Other Words from cytology
cytological
\
ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-ji-kəl
\
or cytologic \
ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-jik
\ adjective
\
or cytologic \
ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-jik
\ adjective
cytologically
\
ˌsī-tə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
cytologist
\
sī-ˈtä-lə-jist
\
noun
\
noun
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Cite this Entry
“Cytology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytology. Accessed 15 Apr. 2021.
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More Definitions for cytology
cytology
noun
English Language Learners Definition of cytology
biology
: the study of plant and animal cells
See the full definition for cytology in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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
\
or cytologic \
-ˈäj-ik
\ adjective
cytological examination
cytologic techniques
cytologically
\
-i-k(ə-)lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
cytologically normal cells
a cytologically confirmed carcinoma
cytologist
\
sī-ˈtäl-ə-jəst
\
noun
\
noun
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Time Traveler for cytology
The first known use of cytology was in 1857
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