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

But one patient who underwent surgery to remove a cyst ended up in a vegetative state. —Frieda Klotz, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025

This isn't the first time Bieber has dealt with the pain of an ovarian cyst. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

Doctors removed the cyst, but warned that the procedure and its side effects could lead to her baby being born with health problems. —Johanna Alarcón, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

While surgery can help, ovarian cyst removal may decrease egg reserves. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

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
• fist
• gist
• grist
• hissed
• kissed
• 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