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

Colloid brain cysts are benign tumors that develop in or near the third ventricle, which is in the center of the brain. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 3 Nov. 2023

In April 2021, the American underwent emergency surgery for endometriosis where a tennis ball-sized cyst was removed. —Ben Church, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024

Amy Grant recently opened up about how her 2022 bicycle accident was quickly followed by the discovery of a cyst in her throat. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2024

This led to further experiments showing how diets that can induce ketosis could slow the growth of kidney cysts in PKD in rodents, as described in publication in Cell Metabolism. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024

Toxoplasma parasites remain in the brain and other tissues as latent cysts, which can resume growth if the immune system is weakened. —Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024

Once in a person's system, the larvae of the parasite can get into tissues such as a person's muscles and brain, forming cysts and potentially causing seizures. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024

This 'Really Hurts' Beckinsale last went public about a health scare back in 2019 after suffering a ruptured ovarian cyst. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024

Cystic fibrosis was originally named, in fact, for the fibrous cysts that a 1930s pathologist saw in the pancreases of babies who had died. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024

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

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