cyst

1 of 3

noun

ˈsist 

1

: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body

2

: a body resembling a cyst: such as

a

: a resting spore of many algae

b

: the air bladder of certain algae or aquatic plants (such as rockweed)

c

: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage

also : this capsule with its contents

d

: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host

cyst-

2 of 3

combining form

variants or cysti- or cysto-

: bladder

cystitis

: sac

cystocarp

-cyst

3 of 3

noun combining form

: bladder : sac

blastocyst

Examples of cyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

People with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, are likely well acquainted with the challenges the endocrine disorder presents for fertility and the discomfort associated with irregular periods, painful ovarian cysts, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving as a result of elevated androgen levels. —Sam Manzella, Flow Space, 2 Sep. 2025

One of her brothers, a marine, developed a massive cyst on his jaw. —Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

Plus, mud can carry pathogens that live in the soil, like bacterial and fungal spores, worm eggs, and parasite cysts. —Angela Haupt, Time, 25 Aug. 2025

In some cases, the cysts are so large that doctors can detect them during a pelvic exam. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin cystis, from Greek kystis bladder, pouch; akin to Sanskrit śvasiti he blows, snorts — more at wheeze

Combining form

French, from Greek kyst-, kysto-, from kystis

Noun combining form

New Latin -cystis, from Greek kystis

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cyst

• dermoid cyst

Rhymes for cyst

• cist
• cyst
• fist
• gist
• grist
• hissed
• kissed
• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist

Kids Definition

cyst

noun

ˈsist 

1

: a closed pouch or sac of fluid or solid material that develops in the body in some diseased conditions

2

: a covering resembling a cyst or a body (as a spore) with such a covering

cystic

ˈsis-tik

adjective

Medical Definition

cyst

noun

ˈsist 

1

: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a body cavity or structure

2

: a body resembling a cyst: as

a

: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage

also : this capsule with its contents

b

: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host compare hydatid sense 2a