-jē, -ji noun
( -es )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary cyt- + -logy
1. : the branch of biology concerned with the study of cells as vital units with reference to their structure, function, multiplication, pathology, and life history
as a procedure for differentiating benign from malignant lesions cytology offers a more precise method of diagnosis than roentgenologic and endoscopic study — Journal American Medical Association
— distinguished from histology
2. : the cytological aspects of a phenomenon, process, or structure considered collectively
the cytology of cancer
the cytology of mitosis