colonoscopy

noun

co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnä-skə-pē How to pronounce colonoscopy (audio)
plural colonoscopies
: endoscopic examination of the colon
colonoscope noun

Examples of colonoscopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Inflatable colon to pop up at Franciscan Munster A 12-foot, walk-through inflatable colon is scheduled to be on display at Franciscan Health Munster later this month in an effort to help increase colon cancer awareness and highlight the benefits of colonoscopies, according to a release. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025 Beyond religious motivations, patients are asked by doctors to fast 6-12 hours before getting surgery or undergoing procedures such as colonoscopies. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025 However, like stool tests, a positive result requires a follow-up colonoscopy. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 Some screening protocols have also been modified in recent years to include younger adults; since 2018, for example, the American Cancer Society has recommended colonoscopies starting at age 45, down from 50. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for colonoscopy

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of colonoscopy was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Colonoscopy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colonoscopy. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

colonoscopy

noun
co·​lo·​nos·​co·​py ˌkō-lə-ˈnäs-kə-pē How to pronounce colonoscopy (audio) ˌkäl-ə- How to pronounce colonoscopy (audio)
plural colonoscopies
: endoscopic examination of the colon
transabdominal colonoscopy with a sigmoidoscope via colotomy
colonoscopic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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