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

An undisclosed illness and cyst has contributed to her DNPs for the Liberty, too. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Research shows that taking hormonal birth control can improve ovarian cyst symptoms and may prevent them from forming. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2026

These things are key to the disease, which used to be called polycystic ovary syndrome but was renamed earlier this year to shift the focus away from ovaries and cysts. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

While the tumor has been shrinking, Katie has also experienced a lot of swelling and cysts in her brain. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for cyst

• cist
• cyst
• didst
• fist
• gist
• grist
• hissed
• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist

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