oncologist

UK: ɒŋˈkɒlədʒɪst | US: ɑːnˈkɑːlədʒɪst

Definition

  1. n. a medical specialist who studies and treats tumors and cancer

Structure
onco <tumor, from Greek *onkos*>logy <study, from Greek *-logia*>ist <one who practices, from Latin *-ista*>
Etymology

The word "oncologist" traces back to Greek roots. "Onco-" derives from onkos (meaning "mass" or "tumor"), while "-logy" comes from -logia (denoting "the study of"). The suffix "-ist" (from Latin -ista) indicates a practitioner. Thus, an oncologist is literally "one who studies tumors." The term reflects the specialization in diagnosing and treating cancerous growths, evolving from ancient medical concepts to modern oncology.

Examples

  1. The oncologist recommended a biopsy to determine the tumor's malignancy.

  2. She consulted an oncologist after her diagnosis of breast cancer.

  3. Pediatric oncologists specialize in treating childhood cancers.

  4. The oncologist explained the benefits of immunotherapy.

  5. His research as an oncologist focuses on early detection methods.