Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: -scope

Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: -scope

Definition:

The suffix (-scope) refers to an instrument for inspecting or viewing. It comes from the Greek (-skopion), which means to observe.

Examples:

Angioscope (angio - scope) - special type of microscope used for examining capillary vessels.

Arthroscope (arthro - scope) - an instrument used for examining the inside of a joint.

Baroscope (baro - scope) - an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Bioscope (bio - scope) - an early type of movie projector.

Boreoscope (boreo - scope) - an instrument consisting of a long tube with an eyepiece on one end used to inspect the inside of a structure, such as an engine.

Bronchoscope (broncho - scope) - an instrument for inspecting the interior of the bronchi in the lungs.

Cryoscope (cryo - scope) - an instrument that measures a liquid's freezing point.

Cystoscope (cysto - scope) - a type of endoscope used for examining the inside of the urinary bladder and urethra.

Endoscope (endo - scope) - a tubular instrument for examining internal body cavities or hollow organs such as the intestines, stomach, bladder, or lungs.

Episcope (epi - scope) - an instrument that projects enlarged images of opaque objects such as photographs.

Fetoscope (feto - scope) - an instrument used to examine the interior of the uterus or to examine a fetus in the womb.

Fiberscope (fiber - scope) - an instrument that uses fiber optics to examine a defined area. It is often used to examine body cavities that might not otherwise be able to be seen.

Fluoroscope (fluoro - scope) - a device used for examining deep body structures through the use of a fluorescent screen and an X-ray source.

Galvanoscope (galvano - scope) - a device that detects electrical currents through the use of a magnetic needle.

Gastroscope (gastro - scope) - a type of endoscope used to examine the stomach.

Gyroscope (gyro - scope) - a navigational device that consists of a rotating wheel (mounted on an axis) that can turn freely in any direction.

Hodoscope (hodo - scope) - an instrument that traces the path of charged particles.

Kaleidoscope (kaleido - scope) - an optical instrument that creates complex patterns of constantly changing colors and shapes.

Laparoscope (laparo - scope) - a type of endoscope inserted into the abdominal wall for examining the internal abdominal cavity or for performing surgery.

Laryngoscope (laryno - scope) - a type of endoscope used to examine the larynx (upper part of the trachea or voice box).

Microscope (micro - scope) - an optical instrument used for magnifying and viewing very small objects.

Myoscope (myo - scope) - a specialized instrument for examining muscle contractions.

Opthalmoscope (opthalmo - scope) - an instrument for examining the interior of the eye, especially the retina.

Otoscope (oto - scope) - an instrument for examining the inner ear.

Periscope (peri - scope) - an optical instrument that uses angled mirrors or prisms for viewing objects that are not in a direct line of vision.

Retinoscope (retino - scope) - an optical instrument that looks at light refraction in an eye. This optical instrument is also known as a skiascope (skia - scope).

Stethoscope (stetho - scope) - an instrument used to listen to sounds made by internal organs such as the heart or lungs.

Tachistoscope (tachisto - scope) - an instrument that is used to assess perception and memory by projecting images rapidly onto a screen.

Telescope (tele - scope) - an optical instrument that uses lenses to magnify distant objects for viewing.

Thermoscope (thermo - scope) - an instrument that measures a change in temperature.

Ultramicroscope (ultra - micro - scope) - a high light intensity microscope that is used to study very, very small objects.

Urethroscope (urethro - scope) - an instrument for examining the urethra (tube that extends from the bladder allowing urine to be excreted from the body).