biopsy
biopsy Lexical Profile
biopsy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medical procedure involving the removal and microscopic examination of cells or tissue from a living body to determine the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.
"The oncologist ordered a needle biopsy to determine whether the tumor was benign or malignant."
A sample of tissue or cells removed from a living body for diagnostic examination.
"The lab technician prepared the liver biopsy for histopathological analysis."
• verb
To remove and examine a sample of tissue or cells from a living organ, lesion, or body part for diagnostic purposes.
"The dermatologist decided to biopsy the irregular mole to rule out melanoma."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'biopsy' (the examination of tissue taken from a living body) with 'autopsy' or 'necropsy' (the examination of a body after death).
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century from French 'biopsie', coined by dermatologist Ernest Besnier from Ancient Greek 'bios' (life) and 'opsis' (sight, view).