endoscope

noun

en·​do·​scope ˈen-də-ˌskōp 

: an illuminated usually fiber-optic flexible or rigid tubular instrument for visualizing the interior of a hollow organ or part (such as the bladder or esophagus) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes that typically has one or more channels to enable passage of instruments (such as forceps or scissors)

endoscopy

en-ˈdä-skə-pē 

noun

Did you know?

The Greek prefix endo- means "within, inside", so around 1860 an early crude instrument for looking deep inside the body was named the endoscope. But modern endoscopy required the invention of the electric lightbulb and then fiber-optic cable, so the first modern endoscopes date only to 1967. An endoscope may be inserted through a natural passageway (for example, through the nose or down the esophagus) or through a tiny cut in the skin. A tiny camera with a light at the end of the cable sends back images onto a screen, and the surgeon uses special instruments that work through a tube alongside the cable. There are now specialized types of endoscopes for every part of the body, where they can take tissue samples, cut out small growths, or remove foreign objects.

Examples of endoscope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Newer endoscopes have retractable cutting attachments, requiring only one incision rather than two.22 After the traverse carpal ligament is released, the wound(s) are closed with sutures and covered with adhesive bandages called Steri-strips. —Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 3 June 2024

In the former case, an endoscope gets inserted into the wrist-side incision and guides the severing of the ligament in the palm-side incision. —Scott Sundick, Verywell Health, 3 June 2024

Patients must be given general anesthesia, as an endoscope is inserted into the mouth and down to the cricopharyngeal muscle. —Laurie Saloman, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024

However, navigating an endoscope—a skill not every surgeon possesses—can prolong an already lengthy procedure. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 1 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

endoscope

noun

en·​do·​scope ˈen-də-ˌskōp 

: a tubular medical instrument that allows the interior of a hollow organ or body part to be seen

endoscopic

ˌen-də-ˈskäp-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

endoscope

noun

en·​do·​scope ˈen-də-ˌskōp 

: an illuminated usually fiber-optic flexible or rigid tubular instrument for visualizing the interior of a hollow organ or part (as the bladder or esophagus) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes that typically has one or more channels to enable passage of instruments (as forceps or scissors)

endoscopy

en-ˈdäs-kə-pē 

noun

plural endoscopies