biopsy
n. countablen. a small piece of tissue taken from your body to check for disease. Doctors examine it under a microscope to see if cells are healthy.
n. a sample of living tissue removed from the body for microscopic examination and diagnosis.
The doctor ordered a biopsy to check the lump.
She waited two weeks for the biopsy results to confirm the diagnosis.
The surgeon performed a needle biopsy during the routine check-up, ensuring minimal discomfort while obtaining sufficient tissue for analysis.
From French biopsie, from bi- + -opsy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 4, 2026