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

This is in contrast to tests like mammography, colonoscopy or prostate specific antigen blood levels that look for cancer in just very specific parts of the body. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration announced updates to the mammography regulations. —Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025

Ultrasound is highly effective but does not replace mammography for cancer screening. —Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

While mammography is standard for breast cancer detection, MRI is the most accurate for detecting silicone implant ruptures, though ultrasound is often used first due to cost and accessibility. —Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

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