bronchoscopy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “bronchoscopy” mean?
A medical procedure to look inside the airways (bronchi) of the lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical procedure to look inside the airways (bronchi) of the lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
The process or diagnostic technique of visualizing the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. In a figurative sense, it can sometimes be used to mean an intrusive or deep examination into a complex system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The procedure and terminology are standardized in the medical communities of both regions.
Connotations
Identical. No differential connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, used only in medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bronchoscopy” in a Sentence
Patient <undergoes> bronchoscopy.Doctor <performs> bronchoscopy <on> patient.Bronchoscopy <reveals> diagnosis.Bronchoscopy <is indicated> for haemoptysis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bronchoscopy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant decided to bronchoscope the patient to obtain a tissue sample.
- He was bronchoscoped last Tuesday.
American English
- The pulmonologist will bronchoscope the lesion for a biopsy.
- She needs to be bronchoscoped under general anesthesia.
adverb
British English
- The tumour was visualised bronchoscopically.
- The sample was obtained bronchoscopically.
American English
- The airway was examined bronchoscopically.
- The foreign body was removed bronchoscopically.
adjective
British English
- The bronchoscopic findings were inconclusive.
- They used a bronchoscopic brush to collect cells.
American English
- Bronchoscopic guidance was essential for the stent placement.
- A bronchoscopic lavage was performed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical journals, textbooks, and research papers discussing pulmonary diagnostics.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used only when discussing a specific medical procedure one is scheduled for or has undergone.
Technical
The primary context. Used by pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses in clinical settings, reports, and procedural documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bronchoscopy”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bronchoscopy”
- Misspelling as 'bronchocopy' (missing the 's').
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable: /ˈbrɒn.kə.skə.pi/.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They will bronchoscopy me'). The verb is 'to bronchoscope'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients are usually given sedation and local anaesthesia, so they should not feel pain during the procedure, though some discomfort or a coughing reflex is common.
A standard diagnostic bronchoscopy typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on what needs to be done.
An endoscopy is a general term for looking inside the body with a scope. A bronchoscopy is a specific type of endoscopy that looks inside the lungs' airways (bronchi).
No, you must fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the procedure to prevent the risk of vomiting and aspiration while sedated.
A medical procedure to look inside the airways (bronchi) of the lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
Bronchoscopy is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Bronchoscopy: in British English it is pronounced /brɒŋˈkɒs.kə.pi/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɑːŋˈkɑː.skə.pi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRONCH' (like bronchitis, a lung condition) + 'SCOPY' (like a telescope to see). It's using a scope to see inside your bronchial tubes.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SYSTEM OF TUNNELS; DIAGNOSIS IS SEEING INSIDE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary instrument used in a bronchoscopy?