biopsy
Meaning of biopsy: Removal of cells or tissue for microscopic examination.
Definition of biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure that obtains cells or a tissue sample so a pathologist can examine it for disease. Methods include needle, punch, endoscopic, incisional, and excisional biopsy.
How biopsy is built
bi
opsy
biopsy
- bi/o Combining form · Greek life, living tissue
- -opsy Suffix · Greek viewing, examination
A medical term is read from its ending backwards: the suffix first, then the prefix, then the root. See all 223 word parts.
Also known as
tissue sampling
Used in a sentence
A biopsy was performed to determine the nature of the skin lesion.
Good to know
Biopsy results can characterize inflammation, infection, abnormal growth, and many other tissue changes.
Word origin
Where “biopsy” comes from
From Greek bios, “life,” and opsis, “view.”