polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpä-ləp 

1

: the sessile form of cnidarian (such as a coral or sea anemone) typically having a hollow cylindrical body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with nematocysts

2

: a growth projecting from a mucous membrane (as of the colon or vocal cords)

polypoid

ˈpä-lə-ˌpȯid 

adjective

Examples of polyp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thyroid problems Vocal cysts, nodules, and polyps—growths on the tissue folds of your voicebox Vocal fold hemorrhage—a blood vessel break on the vocal fold surface Vocal fold paralysis—vocal folds don't move properly How Long Does Laryngitis Last? —Korin Miller, Health, 31 Oct. 2023

The precise interval depends on the number and size of polyps. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 2 Aug. 2023

Hormonal medications such as progestins (sometimes in the form of an IUD) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may lessen symptoms of polyps and shrink uterine fibroids. —Women's Health, 23 Aug. 2023

Precancerous polyps are easily removed during colonoscopy screenings, preventing them from evolving to invasive colon cancer. —Monika Joshi, The Conversation, 1 May 2023

Interestingly, genes related to DNA storage came into play to help the medusae make their proteins; but once the medusae went back to their polyp form, the same genes were silenced, with their proteins hitting rock bottom in the blob-like stage prior to turning into a polyp. —Stav Dimitropoulos, Popular Mechanics, 6 Apr. 2023

Any suspicious polyps can be removed during a visual exam, reducing your risk of cancer. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 1 Mar. 2023

Other times, frequent periods might be a sign of hormone changes, polyps, stress, or uterine fibroids.3 Your menstrual cycle can reflect certain aspects of your health. —Jessica Migala, Health, 11 Sep. 2023

It is recommended in cases where gallstones are present in the gall bladder; gallstones in the bile duct; gallbladder inflammation; large gallbladder polyps; and pancreas inflammation caused by gallstones. —David Chiu, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

French polype octopus, nasal polyp, from Old French polipe, from Latin polypus, from Greek polypous, from poly- + pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpäl-əp 

: an invertebrate animal (as a sea anemone or a coral) that is a coelenterate having a hollow cylinder-shaped body closed and attached at one end and opening at the other by a central mouth surrounded by tentacles armed with minute stinging organs

Medical Definition

polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpäl-əp 

: a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane (as in the nasal cavity or the intestine)

called also polypus