: 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 alsoPapanicolaou 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