biopsy
BY-op-see
/ˈbaɪ.ɒp.si/
The removal of a small piece of tissue from a living body for examination under a microscope.
Often the definitive way to diagnose cancer or inflammatory diseases.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1879 by French dermatologist Ernest Besnier. It combines 'bios' (life) and 'opsis' (sight/view), meaning 'to view the living'.
Word relationships
- tissue sample: Tissue sample is the object; biopsy is the procedure and the sample.
Commonly confused with
- autopsy: Biopsy is on the living (bio); autopsy is on the dead.
Collocations
- needle biopsy
- surgical biopsy
- biopsy results
- perform a biopsy
Example sentences
- "The surgeon performed a needle biopsy to determine if the tumor was malignant or benign." Clinical procedure
- "Liquid biopsies, which test blood for cancer DNA, are a major breakthrough in oncology." Medical news
Memory hook
BIO (life) + PSY (see): Seeing the life in the tissue. View of the living.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'autopsy', which is performed on a dead body.
Fun facts
- A 'liquid biopsy' doesn't actually involve cutting tissue; it analyzes blood.
Related words
Explore more words
diagnosis, biomarker, cell, necrosis, physiology, microscope
Also appears in
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