mammography

noun

mam·​mog·​ra·​phy ma-ˈmä-grə-fē 

: X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)

mammographic

ˌma-mə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

Examples of mammography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adhering to an annual mammography screening program that starts at age 40 can also help. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Dec. 2024

Citing rising breast cancer rates in young women, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended starting regular mammography screening at age 40, reversing longstanding guidance that most women wait until 50. —Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Data consistently show that Black women have mammography screening rates that are the same or better than white women in the U.S., Warner pointed out. —Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

While mammography does save lives by catching cancer earlier, fewer than 70% of eligible women are up to date on their screenings, the study found. —Liz Neporent, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin mamma "breast" + -o- + -graphy — more at mamma entry 1

Note: See note at mammogram.

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mammography

• arthrography
• biography
• cartography
• cosmography
• cryptography
• demography
• discography
• echography
• ethnography
• filmography
• geography
• hydrography

Medical Definition

mammography

noun

mam·​mog·​ra·​phy -fē 

plural mammographies

: X-ray examination of the breasts (as for early detection of cancer)

mammographic

ˌmam-ə-ˈgraf-ik 

adjective