biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue or cells from a living body for examination, typically under a microscope. It is primarily used by doctors to diagnose diseases, such as cancer, or to check the health of an organ.
Examples
3 of 5The doctor recommended a skin biopsy to see if the mole was dangerous.
The physician suggested taking a small skin sample to check the mole's safety.
The patient underwent an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the thyroid gland.
The individual had a medical procedure where a needle was used to take a sample from the thyroid.
I'm just waiting on my biopsy results before I head out on vacation.
I am waiting to get the report from my tissue test before I go on holiday.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Bio' (life) and 'Opsis' (sight). A biopsy is a way to 'view the living' tissue to see what is happening inside.
Quick Quiz
The surgeon decided to _______ the tumor to determine if it was benign or malignant.
Correct!
The correct answer is: biopsy
Examples
The doctor recommended a skin biopsy to see if the mole was dangerous.
everydayThe physician suggested taking a small skin sample to check the mole's safety.
The patient underwent an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the thyroid gland.
formalThe individual had a medical procedure where a needle was used to take a sample from the thyroid.
I'm just waiting on my biopsy results before I head out on vacation.
informalI am waiting to get the report from my tissue test before I go on holiday.
Histological analysis of the biopsy specimen confirmed the presence of malignant cells.
academicScientific study of the tissue sample proved that there were cancerous cells present.
Our pharmaceutical company is developing new tools for liquid biopsy technology.
businessThe medical business is creating new methods for testing blood for signs of disease.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bone marrow biopsy
taking a sample of the tissue inside bones
skin biopsy
the removal of a small piece of skin for testing
liquid biopsy
a test done on a sample of blood to look for cancer cells
Often Confused With
A biopsy is performed on a living person to diagnose disease; an autopsy is performed on a deceased person to determine the cause of death.
Usage Notes
The word is most commonly used as a noun to describe the procedure. While it can be used as a verb (e.g., 'to biopsy a lump'), this usage is more frequent among medical professionals than the general public.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse biopsy with 'autopsy' or misspell it as 'biopsie'. Remember that the 'y' is essential in the English spelling.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Bio' (life) and 'Opsis' (sight). A biopsy is a way to 'view the living' tissue to see what is happening inside.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek words 'bios' (meaning life) and 'opsis' (meaning a sight, view, or appearance).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many cultures, hearing the word biopsy can cause significant anxiety because it is strongly associated with testing for cancer.
Quick Quiz
The surgeon decided to _______ the tumor to determine if it was benign or malignant.
Correct!
The correct answer is: biopsy
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
complement
A2A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
compound
A2Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.
conceive
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confer
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conform
A2To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.
consecutive
A2Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).
consistency
A2Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.
disclude
B1Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.
antiformous
B1Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.
interspect
B1Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.
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