Pap smear

noun

ˈpap- 

: a method for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves the staining of exfoliated cells using a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue

called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test

Examples of Pap smear in a Sentence

She has a Pap smear done every year.

Recent Examples on the Web

One patient alleged that after a Pap smear decades ago, Brock inserted his finger into her rectum without warning or consent. —Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024

In a press release, BD noted that many people are not comfortable with the pelvic exam required for a traditional Pap smear for a variety of reasons, including past negative experiences, or social or religious preferences. —Sony Salzman, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024

During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider will use a small brush to remove cells from the cervix surface. —Michelle Pugle, Health, 4 Sep. 2024

Save Getting a Pap smear isn’t among my favorite things to do, ranking somewhere between eating cauliflower (ugh) and going to the dentist (worse). —Gemma Correll, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

Munn's lifesaving diagnosis was due to her ob-gyn’s decision to calculate her lifetime breast cancer risk score during a routine Pap smear using a free online tool called a Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment calculator. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024

Periods don't always come on schedule, and sometimes a person who menstruates might not track their cycle as far out when booking a Pap smear. —Claire Gillespie, Health, 15 Feb. 2024

Women ages 30 to 65 can be screened either every three years with a Pap smear or every five years with an HPV test or combination of the two tests. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 20 Jan. 2024

By collecting cervical cells (called the Pap smear after the scientist who pioneered the screening test in the mid-1900s), cancer can be detected even at an early stage. —Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

George N. Papanicolaou †1962 American medical scientist

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Pap smear

noun

ˈpap- 

: a test for the early detection of cancer especially of the cervix of the uterus using cells that are shed or scraped off and stained in a special way

called also Pap test

Medical Definition

Pap smear

noun

ˈpap- 

: a method or a test based on it for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves staining exfoliated cells by a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue

called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test