polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpä-ləp How to pronounce polyp (audio)
1
: the sessile form of cnidarian (such as a coral or sea anemone) typically having a hollow cylindrical body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with nematocysts
2
: a growth projecting from a mucous membrane (as of the colon or vocal cords)
polypoid adjective

Examples of polyp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other potential indications for a cholecystectomy include gallbladder cancer, a dysfunctional gallbladder, or gallbladder polyps (abnormal tissue growths). Qin Rao, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 Using minimally-invasive techniques, surgeons remove polyps or granuloma, which can correct outie belly button.10 Cryotherapy: This involves applying extreme cold to freeze the umbilical granuloma in order to remove it. Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Oct. 2024 If polyps are found, the colonoscopy may take up to 45 minutes. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024 Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by womb muscle contractions, while secondary dysmenorrhea refers to pain caused by underlying conditions, such as fibroids or polyps, with severe pain often indicating chronic conditions like endometriosis. Alicia Lansom, refinery29.com, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polyp 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polyp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French polype octopus, nasal polyp, from Old French polipe, from Latin polypus, from Greek polypous, from poly- + pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyp was in 1742

Cite this Entry

“Polyp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyp. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

polyp

noun
pol·​yp ˈpäl-əp How to pronounce polyp (audio)
: an invertebrate animal (as a sea anemone or a coral) that is a coelenterate having a hollow cylinder-shaped body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with minute stinging organs

Medical Definition

polyp

noun
pol·​yp ˈpäl-əp How to pronounce polyp (audio)
: a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane (as in the nasal cavity or the intestine)

called also polypus

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