4 syllables: Cys, to, sco, py. Stress on sco.
sis-toh-SKOH-pee
/sɪs to ˈskoʊ pi/
Cystoscopy is pronounced sis-toh-SKOH-pee (/sɪs to ˈskoʊ pi/). It has four syllables (Cys-to-sco-py), with the stress on "sco". Cystoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the bladder and urethra with a cystoscope. The term combines cysto- (bladder) and -scopy (to examine) and is used in clinical contexts, procedures, and diagnostics. It is pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable and is a specialty term often encountered in urology and medical discussions.
nounCystoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the bladder and urethra with a cystoscope. The term combines cysto- (bladder) and -scopy (to examine) and is used in clinical contexts, procedures, and diagnostics. It is pronounced with emphasis on the third syllable and is a specialty term often encountered in urology and medical discussions.
"The doctor scheduled a cystoscopy to investigate persistent urinary symptoms."
"During the cystoscopy, sterile lubricant was applied to the urethral opening."
"She asked about potential complications after a cystoscopy and biopsy."
Break it into syllables: cyst/o/sco py. Pronounce as sis-tos-KOP-ee-mee? Actually: ˌsɪs.təˈskɒ.pi. Emphasize the third syllable: cysto-SCOP-y. IPA: US/UK/AU: ˌsɪs.təˈskɒ.pi. The initial 'cyst' sounds like 'sist' with an unstressed schwa, the 'o' is a light 'o' as in 'of', 'scopy' lands on the stressed 'skop' with a short o, and ends with a soft 'ee' sound in some accents though commonly '-o-pee' aligns more with 'skop-pee' in spelling but spoken 'skɒ.pi'.
Common errors: 1) Dropping the middle syllable and saying cysto-sco-py with weak stress on 'sco'. 2) Mispronouncing ' cysto ' as ' sis-to ' with a wrong 'o' as in 'pot' rather than short 'o' as in 'cot'. 3) Slurring the ending into '-scope-gee' or '-scopy' as '-ski'. Correction: keep three syllables, place primary stress on the third syllable: ˌsɪs.təˈskɒ.pi; ensure the final '-py' is pronounced as 'pi' with a short 'i' sound, not 'ee' or 'eye'.
In US: ˌsɪs.təˈskɒ.pi with rhoticity affecting 'r' not present here; UK: similar but with slightly shorter vowels and stiffer 'ɒ' as in 'cot'; AU: often flatter vowels, can reduce the middle vowel a touch, but keeps the three-syllable rhythm. All share primary stress on the third syllable; slight differences in vowel qualities and vowel length are what distinguish accents.
Three-part structure makes it a challenge: cysto- (bladder) yields 'sis-to', then -scopy adds a stressed 'scopy' with 'skɒ' vowel; rapid speech can blur the three syllables. The mid vowel 'ə' can be reduced or mispronounced, and the final 'y' letters often mislead to '-ee' endings. Focusing on the isolated syllables and then blending helps: ˌsɪs.təˈskɒ.pi.
No silent letters overall, but the 'o' in cysto serves as a separate syllable vowel rather than a silent letter; the confidence comes from pronouncing each syllable clearly: cysto-sco-py, with the 'o' pronounced in each vowel slot. The 'c' at the start is pronounced as an /s/ sound rather than a hard /k/. This makes careful articulation critical.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Cystoscopy"!
US: rhotic vowel reduction doesn't affect cysto-; ensure the 'ɒ' in 'skɒ' sounds similar to 'cot' in American English variations. UK: slightly rounded 'ɒ' with tighter lip rounding; AU: flatter vowels, less rhotic influence, keep three distinct syllables. Use IPA as a guide for vowel quality: US/UK/AU: ˌsɪs.təˈskɒ.pi.
Cystoscopy derives from the combining forms cyst/o- meaning bladder (from Latin cystis, from Greek kystis) and -scopy from Greek skop- meaning to look or examine. The term entered medical usage in the late 19th to early 20th century as endoscopic techniques expanded beyond gastroscopy and bronchoscopy. The root cyst- sits within urology terminology, shaping many bladder- and urethra-related procedures. First known uses appear in medical dictionaries and early surgical texts discussing bladder visualization using endoscopic instruments. Over time, cystoscopy became standard in diagnostic workups for hematuria, recurrent infections, and bladder outlet obstruction, with refinements in approach (rigid vs. flexible cystoscopes) and anesthesia considerations expanding its clinical utility and patient comfort.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Cystoscopy" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Cystoscopy" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Cystoscopy" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Cystoscopy"
-ogy sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
