endoscope

noun

en·do·scope | \ ˈen-də-ˌskōp

Definition of endoscope

: an illuminated usually fiber-optic flexible or rigid tubular instrument for visualizing the interior of a hollow organ or part (such as the bladder or esophagus) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes that typically has one or more channels to enable passage of instruments (such as forceps or scissors)

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Did You Know?

The Greek prefix endo- means "within, inside", so around 1860 an early crude instrument for looking deep inside the body was named the endoscope. But modern endoscopy required the invention of the electric lightbulb and then fiber-optic cable, so the first modern endoscopes date only to 1967. An endoscope may be inserted through a natural passageway (for example, through the nose or down the esophagus) or through a tiny cut in the skin. A tiny camera with a light at the end of the cable sends back images onto a screen, and the surgeon uses special instruments that work through a tube alongside the cable. There are now specialized types of endoscopes for every part of the body, where they can take tissue samples, cut out small growths, or remove foreign objects.

Examples of endoscope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The company is a global market leader in endoscopes, but its overall margins have been dragged down by its unprofitable camera segment. — Jacky Wong, WSJ, "Olympus Shares Should Come Down From the Mountain," 16 Jan. 2019 The paper, published last month in the American Journal of Infection Control, underscores the infection risk posed by a wide range of endoscopes commonly used to peer deep into the body. — Chad Terhune, latimes.com, "Hospitals and device makers still struggle to rid medical scopes of infectious bacteria," 23 Apr. 2018 The company also makes nonheart devices such as endoscopes, a type of surgical camera. — Denise Roland, WSJ, "Boston Scientific Acquires U.K.’s BTG for $4.2 Billion," 20 Nov. 2018 The researchers have developed an endoscope that is much better at revealing hidden features. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Metamaterial-equipped endoscope reveals your innermost secrets," 4 Aug. 2018 In their current form, many endoscopes aren’t built to withstand repeated sterilization. — Chad Terhune, Washington Post, "Study: Nearly Three-Quarters Of Commonly Used Medical Scopes Tainted By Bacteria," 23 Apr. 2018 In their current form, many endoscopes aren't built to withstand repeated sterilization. — Chad Terhune, latimes.com, "Hospitals and device makers still struggle to rid medical scopes of infectious bacteria," 23 Apr. 2018 The company also makes non-heart devices such as endoscopes, a type of surgical camera. — Aisha Al-muslim, WSJ, "Stryker Says It’s Not in Deal Talks With Boston Scientific," 13 June 2018 Though best known among consumers for its cameras, the company gets nearly 80% of its revenue from endoscopes and other medical-imaging technology. — Kosaku Narioka, WSJ, "U.S. Activist Investor Takes Stake in Olympus," 31 May 2018

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

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15 May 2019

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The first known use of endoscope was in 1861

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endoscope

noun

en·do·scope | \ ˈen-də-ˌskōp

Medical Definition of endoscope

: an illuminated usually fiber-optic flexible or rigid tubular instrument for visualizing the interior of a hollow organ or part (as the bladder or esophagus) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes that typically has one or more channels to enable passage of instruments (as forceps or scissors)