biopsy
UK: ˈbaɪ.ɒp.si | US: ˈbaɪ.ɑːp.si
n. a medical procedure involving the extraction and examination of tissue, cells, or fluids from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
The word "biopsy" originates from Greek roots: "bio-" (βίος, meaning "life") and "-opsy" (from ὄψις, "opsis," meaning "viewing" or "sight"). Coined in the late 19th century, it combines these elements to describe the act of visually examining living tissue for medical diagnosis. The term reflects the scientific shift toward microscopic analysis in pathology.
The doctor recommended a biopsy to determine if the tumor was malignant.
A skin biopsy confirmed the presence of an autoimmune disorder.
After the biopsy results came back negative, the patient felt relieved.
Modern biopsy techniques minimize discomfort and recovery time.
The pathologist analyzed the biopsy sample under a microscope.