endoscope

noun

en·​do·​scope ˈen-də-ˌskōp How to pronounce endoscope (audio)
: 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 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
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This test involves inserting a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down your throat to see your esophagus and stomach. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Mar. 2025 Liu says that one of his most challenging projects was a wireless endoscope developed by a group of doctors from Illinois. IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025 Bronchoscopy involves using an endoscope—a camera at the end of a specialized, adjustable tube—to assess airways visually. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 This involves inserting an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) into the rectum. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endoscope

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endoscope was in 1861

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Cite this Entry

“Endoscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endoscope. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

endoscope

noun
en·​do·​scope ˈen-də-ˌskōp How to pronounce endoscope (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce endoscope (audio)
: 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 noun
plural endoscopies

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