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

Early versions of the disease begin as noncancerous forms called polyps. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024

For those eligible for health screenings like a colonoscopy, physicians could catch and remove precancerous polyps in addition to checking for cancer already present. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

These clumps of cells, called polyps, can be discovered by any number of tests that are doctor recommended based on a person's age and other risk factors including a family history of colorectal cancer and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and physical activity levels. —Daryl Austin, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Colonoscopy: To screen for polyps, cancer, or inflammation in the colon or rectum, healthcare providers use a specialized camera on an adjustable tube (colonoscope). —Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024

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