Definition

A medical procedure used to examine the lower part of the large intestine, specifically the rectum and sigmoid colon, by inserting a flexible tube with a camera.

Example

The doctor recommended a sigmoidoscopy to check for any abnormalities in the patient's colon.

Conversation

I heard you had a sigmoidoscopy last week, how did it go?

It was a bit uncomfortable, but the doctor said it was necessary.

I can imagine! What did they find during the sigmoidoscopy?

Luckily, everything looked good, so I was relieved.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sigmoidoscopy → It is formed from "sigmoides" (from Greek, meaning resembling the letter 'S') and "-scopy" (from Greek "skopein", meaning to look or examine). The word describes the examination of the sigmoid colon, which is shaped like an 'S'.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'S' shape of the sigmoid colon ('sigmoides') and the act of 'looking' or 'examining' ('-scopy') to remember that sigmoidoscopy is the procedure to look inside that part of the colon.

Visually Confused Words