noun
cytology
sy-TOL-uh-jee
Cytology (noun) means Cytology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of cells. Example: “She studied cytology as part of her biology degree.”
noun
1
biology Cytology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of cells.
"She studied cytology as part of her biology degree."
"Cytology examines the structure and function of individual cells."
"Advances in microscopy transformed the field of cytology."
2
medicine In medicine, cytology is the examination of cells, especially to check for signs of disease such as cancer.
"The doctor ordered a cytology test to check the sample for abnormal cells."
"Cervical screening relies on cytology to detect early changes in cells."
"The lab's cytology report came back clear."
How to use cytology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe study of cells, whether as a branch of biology or as a medical check for disease.
When to use it
The word belongs to formal scientific and medical language rather than everyday conversation.
Memory tip
Cytology looks at cells alone, while the related word histology looks at cells organised into tissue.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cytology test
cytology report
study cytology
cervical cytology
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She studied _____ as part of her biology degree.
Etymology
Cytology combines cyto-, meaning cell, with the suffix -logy, meaning the study of something.
Rhymes for cytology
See all rhymes for cytology →Frequently asked questions
What does cytology mean?
Cytology is the scientific study of cells, either as a branch of biology or as a medical test that examines cells for signs of disease.
What happens during a cytology test?
A sample of cells is collected and examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities, such as those linked to cancer.
Is cytology the same as histology?
No, cytology focuses on individual cells, while histology examines cells within the structure of tissue.
What is the meaning of cytology?
"cytology" (noun) means cytology is the branch of biology concerned with the study of cells.
