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

Uterine Fibroids or Polyps Two different types of growths on the uterus—known as uterine fibroids and uterine (endometrial) polyps—can cause spotting and, sometimes, cramping.1112 These masses are typically small, non-cancerous, and otherwise not very bothersome. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 7 Apr. 2024

There are many reasons why a person may have heavier bleeding, but having fibroids, polyps, or ovulatory disorders may be linked with an underlying hormone problem. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024

Bleeding that occurs later in pregnancy—specifically in the second or third trimester—can also have different causes that won't result in a miscarriage or stillbirth, such as cervical irritation or even cervical changes (such as a growth or polyp on the cervix, for example). —Krissi Danielsson, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024

The three prongs of the disease are nasal polyps, asthma and allergic reactions to most pain medications, progressing to anaphylactic shock. —Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024

The creatures can get up to 3 inches long but — despite looking like a single, blobby friend — are built of a colony of smaller entities called polyps. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024

However, most cases of colon cancer begin as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps, which, over time, can become cancerous. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Mar. 2024

Besides spotting tumors, colonoscopies can prevent the disease by removing precancerous growths called polyps. —Carla K. Johnson, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024

What to know about the seafarers Also known as by-the-wind sailors, the blobs are not jellyfish but colonies of polyps similar to the Portuguese man o’ war, according to JellyWatch. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024

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

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