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Glite Dictionary
proctoscopy

proctoscopy

9.2
An examination using a thin tube with light to look inside the rectum
  • noun
  • /prɒkˈtɒskəpi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : proctoscopia
  • After experiencing discomfort, she scheduled a proctoscopy to ensure her colon was healthy.

Examples

  • During the examination, the specialist performed a proctoscopy to visually assess the condition of the patient's colon.

  • Something to cherish, right up there with a proctoscopy.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • The doctor recommended a proctoscopy to check for any abnormalities in the patient's rectum.

Synonyms

sigmoidoscopy
vsproctoscopy
  • Specialized
2 8.8

A test using a thin tube with a light and camera to look at the lower intestine

is narrower, examining mainly the rectum and terminal colon
flexible sigmoidoscopy
vsproctoscopy
  • Specialized
6.3

A test in which a thin tube with a camera goes into the lower bowel to look for small growths

is more focused on the rectum and terminal colon

How Invasive

colonoscopy
  • Specialized
31 6.1
sigmoidoscopy
  • Specialized
2 8.8
proctoscopy
  • Specialized
9.2

Surface Forms

proctoscopy singular
proctoscopies plural

Morphology

proctoscopy = proctoscope (opaque) = procto + scopy

Formed from specialized Greek combining forms (procto- 'rectum' + -scopy 'examination') that are unlikely to be known to an average B1 learner, so the meaning is not derivable from common English base words.

Etymology

Proctoscopy comes from Greek parts procto- meaning 'rectum' and -scopy meaning 'to look'. So a proctoscopy is literally 'looking' into the rectum with a scope, like a microscope or telescope, which explains why it is a medical exam to see the rectum and the end of the colon.