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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Finally, in September 2020, her pulmonologist recommended a CAT scan — which confirmed her nasal polyps. Joanne Fowler, People.com, 10 July 2025 This condition causes longer or heavier periods due to hormone imbalances, growths in the uterus like fibroids or polyps, or conditions like adenomyosis, where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Sherri Gordon, Health, 11 June 2025 Their inflammatory markers were monitored through blood, urine, and stool samples, and colon polyps were examined through high-definition colonoscopies. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 But anemia can also follow blood loss from ulcers, polyps, diabetes, and other causes of internal bleeding. Paula Span, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for polyp

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 19 Aug. 2025.

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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