[pap] 
| 1. | a test for cancer of the cervix, consisting of the staining of cervical cells taken in a cervical or vaginal smear (Pap smear or pap smear) for examination of exfoliated cells. |
| 2. | a vaginal Pap smear used to evaluate estrogen levels. |
| 3. | an examination of exfoliated cells in any body fluid, as sputum or urine, for cancer cells. |
| Pap smear (pāp) n. A test for cancer, especially of the female genital tract, in which a smear of exfoliated cells is specially stained and examined under a microscope for pathological changes. Also called Pap test. [After George Papanicolaou (1883-1962), Greek-born American pathologist and cytologist.] |
Pap smear (pāp)
n.
A smear of vaginal or cervical cells obtained for a Pap test. Also called Papanicolaou smear.
A Pap test.
Pap test n.
A test for cancer, especially of the female genital tract, in which a smear of cells exfoliated or scraped from a mucosal surface is stained with Papanicolaou stain and examined under a microscope for pathological changes. Also called smear test.
| Pap smear (pāp) Pronunciation Key
A screening test, especially for cervical cancer, in which a smear of cells scraped from the cervix or vagina is treated with a chemical stain and examined under a microscope for pathological changes. Pap smears are performed routinely during gynecological exams. |
| Pap smear Papanicolaou test |