cyst

noun

\ ˈsist

Definition of cyst

(Entry 1 of 3)

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-

combining form

variants: or cysti- or cysto-

Definition of cyst- (Entry 2 of 3)

: bladder cystitis : sac cystocarp

-cyst

noun combining form

Definition of -cyst (Entry 3 of 3)

: bladder : sac blastocyst

Examples of cyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The persistent pain that Garza felt during workouts upon arriving back on campus prompted a visit to the doctor, where a CAT scan revealed the cyst, which was attached to his spleen. — Luke Meredith, The Seattle Times, "Sophomore Luka Garza on a tear for surging Hawkeyes," 5 Feb. 2019 If you're maligned with nodules or cysts, most OTC options are totally ineffective and your best bet is to be treated by a dermatologist. — Molly Nover-baker, Redbook, "How to Get Rid of Annoying Acne, So You Don't Have to Feel Like a Miserable Teenager," 27 Dec. 2016 Iowa sophomore Luka Garza started this season in recovery after a nine-pound benign cyst was removed from his abdomen. — Luke Meredith, The Seattle Times, "Sophomore Luka Garza on a tear for surging Hawkeyes," 5 Feb. 2019 A few days ago, Beckinsale shared on Instagram that she was hospitalized for an erupted ovarian cyst. — Nicole Saunders, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Beckinsale Laughs Off Kate Middleton Mixup with the Most Perfect Reaction," 31 Jan. 2019 Apparently, one full hour of watching Dr. Sandra Lee (better known as Dr. Pimple Popper) work her magic and drain pus from some of the biggest cysts, boils, and whiteheads is still not enough. — Hilary Shepherd, Teen Vogue, "Dr. Pimple Popper Launches New Website With Behind the Scenes Videos," 8 Aug. 2018 This magic thing has reduced the recovery time of my cysts from >1 month to sometimes 2 weeks or less. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "9 Best Cystic Acne Treatments Real People Swear By," 4 Oct. 2018 The pain from headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst in his brain had grown worse this season. — Mitch Stacy, The Seattle Times, "Ohio State coach Urban Meyer to retire after Rose Bowl," 5 Dec. 2018 According to the news outlet, she was born with health conditions including an inoperable cyst on her brain, severe scoliosis, and cerebral palsy. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "See the Incredible Moment Keith Urban Made a Dying Fan's Last Wish Come True," 20 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cyst.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.