polycystic

adjective

poly·​cys·​tic ˌpä-lē-ˈsi-stik How to pronounce polycystic (audio)
: having or involving more than one cyst
polycystic kidneys
a polycystic disease

Examples of polycystic 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.
People with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, are likely well acquainted with the challenges the endocrine disorder presents for fertility and the discomfort associated with irregular periods, painful ovarian cysts, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving as a result of elevated androgen levels. Sam Manzella, Flow Space, 2 Sep. 2025 Health conditions that affect a person’s hormone levels, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cause irregular menstrual cycles and can cause infertility.1 People who do not get their menstrual period most months may be at risk of infertility. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2025 Though the medication was originally developed as a diabetes drug, it’s been shown to be effective for a myriad of conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome and migraines. Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2025 Underlying health conditions: Conditions like Hashimoto’s disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can make weight loss harder by affecting metabolism and hormones linked to appetite. Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for polycystic

Word History

Etymology

poly- + cystic

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polycystic was in 1861

Cite this Entry

“Polycystic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polycystic. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

polycystic

adjective
poly·​cys·​tic -ˈsis-tik How to pronounce polycystic (audio)
: having or involving more than one cyst
polycystic kidneys
polycystic disease

More from Merriam-Webster on polycystic

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