Pap smear
noun
ˈpap- 
: a method for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves the staining of exfoliated cells using a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue
called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test
Example Sentences
She has a Pap smear done every year.
Word History
Etymology
George N. Papanicolaou †1962 American medical scientist
First Known Use
1952, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
Pap smear
noun
ˈpap-
: a method or a test based on it for the early detection of cancer especially of the uterine cervix that involves staining exfoliated cells by a special technique which differentiates diseased tissue
called also Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou test, Pap test