frottis
/fʁɔ.ti/masculine
In French, the term for a pap smear is frottis.
The term is used in a gynaecological context to refer to a screening test. You can use the phrase passer un frottis cervical to indicate that someone is undergoing the test, or faire un test de Papanicolaou to indicate having one.
Meaning: gynaecology: screening test (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word frottis literally means smear or rubbing, which refers to the physical act of scraping cells from the cervix.
Which one should you use?
While frottis is the common colloquial term, the full medical term is frottis cervico-vaginal. In formal settings, the term le frottis cervical is often used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term frottis vaginal may be used interchangeably with frottis cervical.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun frottis is masculine, so it is preceded by the masculine article un (as in un frottis).
How do you pronounce it?
/fʁɔ.ti/
Did you know?
- While frottis is the standard term for a pap smear, it is also used in other medical contexts to describe any slide preparation where cells are smeared across glass, such as a blood smear.
- The word frottis is derived from the verb frotter, which means 'to rub' or 'to scrub'.
- While mainland France and Quebec both use the term, you may find 'frottis vaginal' used more frequently in Quebec than in Europe. This slight regional variation can change how local medical professionals refer to the test.
Examples in context
- Les femmes devraient subir un frottis cervical tous les trois ans pour prévenir le cancer du col de l'utérus.Women should have a pap smear every three years to prevent cervical cancer.
- J'ai pris rendez-vous pour le test de Papanicolaou chez mon gynécologue.I have made an appointment for a pap smear with my gynecologist.
- Elle doit faire un frottis régulièrement.She needs to have a Pap smear regularly.
- Le frottis est très important pour la santé.The pap smear is very important for health.
- Elle doit faire un frottis chaque année.She needs to have a pap smear every year.
- Le médecin a commandé un frottis.The doctor ordered a pap smear.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing health check-ups.
- LucasAs-tu pris ton rendez-vous pour le frottis ?Did you make your appointment for the pap smear?
- EmmaOui, j'y vais demain matin.Yes, I am going tomorrow morning.
- LucasC'est important de faire ce suivi régulièrement.It is important to have this follow-up regularly.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord, c'est pour ma santé.I agree, it is for my health.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pap smear” translations and entries frottis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frottis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
