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

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

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