cyst

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noun \ˈsist\

Definition of cyst

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 asa : a resting spore of many algaeb : a gas-filled vesicle (as of a rockweed or bladderwort)c : a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage; also : this capsule with its contentsd : a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host

See cyst defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of cyst from the Web

The disorder, called polycystic kidney disease , causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys.

— Fox News, "Snake solution: Dangerous venom could fight kidney disease", 23 June 2017
The number of cysts in the mice treated with the compound was reduced by one-third, the researchers found.

— Fox News, "Snake solution: Dangerous venom could fight kidney disease", 23 June 2017
In some cases, painful periods can be a sign of a cyst, fibroids, or endometriosis that should be evaluated and treated by a doctor.

— rachel grumman bender, SELF, "8 Period Myths Many People With Periods Still Get Wrong", 19 June 2017
According to the CDC, black women are three times more likely to develop cysts and uterine fibroids than any other race.

— samantha callender, PEOPLE.com, "Monica Undergoes Successful Endometriosis Surgery, Unveils New Lavender ‘Do to Celebrate", 19 June 2017
Cysts are usually benign, but his is causing him problems - that's what led him to the doc in the first place - and sometimes they are associated with tumors.

— carolyn hax, Philly.com, "The right support for son with brain cyst", 18 June 2017
Cysts are usually benign, but his is causing him problems — that’s what led him to the doc in the first place — and sometimes they are associated with tumors.

— carolyn hax, The Seattle Times, "Don’t fake bravery in the face of a serious illness", 18 June 2017
Skin imperfections are revealed to have names—papules, pustules, milia, cysts—and to respond to certain treatments.

— jamie lauren keiles, The New Yorker, "Cleanse, Tone, Obsess: A Forum for Skin-Care Addicts", 6 June 2017
Picking this up may lead to rashes, boils, and cysts.

— nicole dossantos, Fox News, "Why you should never walk through airport security barefoot", 2 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of cyst

New Latin cystis, from Greek kystis bladder, pouch; akin to Sanskrit śvasiti he blows, snorts — more at wheeze

NEW!

First Known Use: circa 1720

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

cyst-

combining form

variants: or

cysti-

cysto-

Definition of cyst-

: bladder cystitis : sac cystocarp

Origin and Etymology of cyst-

French, from Greek kyst-, kysto-, from kystis

-cyst

noun combining form

Definition of -cyst

: bladder : sac blastocyst

Origin and Etymology of -cyst

New Latin -cystis, from Greek kystis

CYST Defined for English Language Learners

cyst

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noun

Definition of cyst for English Language Learners

medical : a growth filled with liquid that forms in or on your body

CYST Defined for Kids

cyst

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noun \ˈsist\

Definition of cyst for Students

1 : an abnormal lump or sac that forms in or on the body
2 : a saclike structure with a protective covering or a body (as a spore) with such a covering

Medical Dictionary

cyst

play

noun \ˈsist\

Medical Definition of cyst

1: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a body cavity or structure
2: a body resembling a cyst: asa: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage; also : this capsule with its contentsb: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host—compare hydatid 2a