cy·tol·o·gy
sī-ˈtä-lə-jē 
1
a
: 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
Mayo Clinic Health Lettercalled also cytopathology
cy·tol·o·gist
sī-ˈtä-lə-jist
plural -s
1
: one specializing in the study of cells
2
: a pathologist using cytological techniques in the differential diagnosis of neoplasms
Examples of cytology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
4 Dec. 2025
Any small growth can first be evaluated by relatively simple cytology and a good way to do this is an FNA or fine needle aspirate.
—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
The full-service clinic provides wellness exams, vaccines, bloodwork, cytologies, X-rays, ultrasounds, soft tissue, dental and orthopedic surgeries, integrative therapies and critical care.
—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Sep. 2025
Cervical cytology, also known as a Pap test or Pap smear, involves examining cervical cells for changes to detect precancerous or cancerous cells.
—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
That year, the task force recommended to screen for the disease every three years with cervical cytology alone in women ages 21 to 29.
—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN,
10 Dec. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The task force, whose recommendations influence what screenings insurance will cover, recommends starting the HPV screening schedule at age 30, and screening with cytology alone every 3 years between ages 21 and 29.
—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
4 Dec. 2025
Any small growth can first be evaluated by relatively simple cytology and a good way to do this is an FNA or fine needle aspirate.
—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
The full-service clinic provides wellness exams, vaccines, bloodwork, cytologies, X-rays, ultrasounds, soft tissue, dental and orthopedic surgeries, integrative therapies and critical care.
—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Sep. 2025
Cervical cytology, also known as a Pap test or Pap smear, involves examining cervical cells for changes to detect precancerous or cancerous cells.
—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
That year, the task force recommended to screen for the disease every three years with cervical cytology alone in women ages 21 to 29.
—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN,
10 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Cytology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cytology. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Medical Definition
cytology
noun
cy·tol·o·gy
sī-ˈtäl-ə-jē
plural cytologies
1
a
: 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
Mayo Clinic Health Lettercalled also cytopathology
cytological
adjective
or cytologic
cytological examination
cytologic techniques
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