cyst

1 of 3

noun

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
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.
Noun
In rare cases, a ruptured ovarian cyst may require surgery. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 21 May 2025 Give this guy and his cyst $1 million. Luckily for us, Kamilla and Kyle’s plan starts to work. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 May 2025 Baker’s cysts can cause tightness, swelling, and pain at the back of the knee, especially during physical activity. Sarah Bradley, Health, 11 May 2025 The 33-year-old mom praised the staff for being proactive in testing the cyst, which was found to be benign. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cyst

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyst was circa 1723

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Cyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyst. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cyst

noun
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cyst

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