Papanicolaou smear

noun

Pa·​pa·​ni·​co·​laou smear ˌpä-pə-ˈnē-kə-ˌlau̇- How to pronounce Papanicolaou smear (audio)
ˌpa-pə-ˈni-
: pap smear

Examples of Papanicolaou smear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Papanicolaou smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 6 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Papanicolaou smear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

George N. Papanicolaou †1962 American medical scientist

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Papanicolaou smear was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near Papanicolaou smear

Papandreou

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Cite this Entry

“Papanicolaou smear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Papanicolaou%20smear. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Medical Definition

Papanicolaou smear

noun
Pa·​pa·​ni·​co·​laou smear ˌpäp-ə-ˈnē-kə-ˌlau̇- How to pronounce Papanicolaou smear (audio) ˌpap-ə-ˈnik-ə- How to pronounce Papanicolaou smear (audio)
: pap smear

More from Merriam-Webster on Papanicolaou smear

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Papanicolaou smear

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