polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpä-ləp 

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

ˈpä-lə-ˌpȯid 

adjective

Examples of polyp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In previous studies of adults in their 40s without specific risk factors for colon cancer, this kind of polyp turned up in about 5% of people screened.2 In Cannon’s study group, 15% of people had them. —Jamie Ducharme, Health, 28 Aug. 2025

The coral polyps that make up the colonies also use that method to avoid predators, many of which are slow-moving. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025

Moon jellies also have a less-visible life stage as tiny polyps that attach to rocks, boats and piers beneath the surface. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 20 Aug. 2025

In tests conducted across four endoscopy centers in Poland, experienced clinicians used AI to assist with polyp detection. —Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for polyp

• dollop
• wallop

Kids Definition

polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpäl-əp 

: 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 

: a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane (as in the nasal cavity or the intestine)

called also polypus