oncology JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ɒŋˈkɒlədʒi/ · on·col·o·gy
noun
  1. The branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tumors, especially cancer. She decided to specialize in oncology after witnessing the impact of cancer treatment on her family.
Did you know? The word oncology entered the English lexicon in the 1840s, but the concept of studying tumors dates back to ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates, who used the term "oncos" for swelling.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026