ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oncology

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ɑŋˈkɑɫədʒi// UK //ɒnkˈɒlədʒi// on·col·o·gy

n. the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of cancer. Doctors in this field help patients manage their illness through surgery, medicine, or other therapies.

n. the branch of medical science concerned with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tumours and cancer.


SIMPLE

She decided to specialize in oncology after finishing medical school.

CONTEXTUAL

The hospital's oncology department is world-renowned for its innovative approach to treating rare blood cancers.

COMPLEX

Advances in molecular oncology have allowed clinicians to develop targeted therapies that attack specific genetic mutations within a tumour while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

Origin

First attested 1857. By surface analysis, onco- + -logy, which see for more.

Usage

Typically used without an article when referring to the field of study; often used as a modifier in phrases like 'oncology ward' or 'oncology nurse'.

© 2026 English Reference