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Glite Dictionary
sigmoidoscope

sigmoidoscope

1 8.7
A thin flexible tube doctors use to look inside the lower part of the large intestine
  • noun
  • /ˌsɪɡmɔɪdəˈskoʊp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sigmoidoscopio
  • The doctor used a sigmoidoscope to check for polyps in the patient’s colon.

Examples

  • The doctor used a sigmoidoscope to check for abnormalities.

  • Routine screenings may involve the use of a sigmoidoscope to detect early signs of colon disease.

  • A flexible sigmoidoscope makes the procedure less uncomfortable for patients.

  • A sigmoidoscope allows doctors to visualize the sigmoid colon.

  • During the colonoscopy, the doctor used a sigmoidoscope to examine the sigmoid colon for any abnormalities.

  • The sigmoidoscope is designed to provide a clear view of the lower intestine, making it easier for doctors to diagnose issues.

  • Patients may feel discomfort during the procedure, but the sigmoidoscope ensures a thorough examination of the colon.

Synonyms

colonoscope
vssigmoidoscope
  • Specialized
1 7.5

A long thin flexible tube with a light and camera used to look inside the colon

focuses on inspecting only the lower large intestine rather than the whole colon
flexible sigmoidoscope
vssigmoidoscope
  • Specialized
6.3

A thin flexible tube with a light used to look inside the lower part of the colon

is the same instrument but highlights fiberoptic tube construction
enteroscope
vssigmoidoscope
  • Specialized
9.9

A medical tool doctors use to look inside the intestine

limits use to the lower large intestine rather than the broader intestinal tract
fiberscope
vssigmoidoscope
  • Specialized
7.8

A long flexible tube with a light and camera that doctors use to look inside the body

refers specifically to an instrument for inspecting the lower large intestine

Compounds

flexible sigmoidoscope
  • Specialized
6.3

A thin flexible tube with a light used to look inside the lower part of the colon

How Long

colonoscope
  • Specialized
1 7.5
sigmoidoscope
  • Specialized
1 8.7
proctoscope
  • Specialized
1 8.4

Surface Forms

sigmoidoscope singular
sigmoidoscopes plural

Morphology

sigmoidoscope = sigmoid (opaque) = sigmoid + scope

The term is built from recognizable medical elements, but its meaning is highly specialized and not readily inferable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word sigmoidoscope comes from Greek parts sigmoid meaning 'S-shaped' and -scope meaning 'to look'. Think of it like a telescope or microscope, a tool for looking, and that's why a sigmoidoscope is the flexible tool doctors use to look at the 'S-shaped' sigmoid part of the colon.