polyp

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noun pol·yp \ ˈpä-ləp \

Definition of polyp

1 :a coelenterate (such as a coral) that has typically 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)

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polypoid

play \-lə-ˌpȯid\ adjective

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Recent Examples of polyp from the Web

Stinging coral Cuts can take a while to heal Most corals are made up of thousands of individual polyps.

— bonnie berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "10 creatures that can ruin your day at the beach," 30 June 2017
Stinging coral Cuts can take a while to heal Most corals are made up of thousands of individual polyps.

— bonnie berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "10 creatures that can ruin your day at the beach," 30 June 2017
It could be related to allergies or structural abnormalities such as nasal polyps or enlarged adenoids, which are lymphoid tissues behind the nose.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "How to fix common sleep problems," 26 June 2017
Extremely warm water, low tides and calm, hot weather can cause coral polyps to eject algae, which provide energy needed to grow and reproduce, according to NOAA.

— kyla p mora, USA TODAY, "NOAA: U.S. island coral reefs at risk for bleaching, death," 25 June 2017
Colonoscopies are the most powerful way to find and remove a polyp early.

— alisa hrustic, Fox News, "5 man-killing cancers you might not spot until it's too late," 23 June 2017
Longer bleeding days can be a sign of fibroids, uterine polyps, or adenomyosis, which is when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus and can cause painful, heavy periods, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— rachel grumman bender, SELF, "8 Period Myths Many People With Periods Still Get Wrong," 19 June 2017
The bladder polyp, which looks like a pale blue tooth, stores water and glows in the dark.

— marjie lambert, miamiherald, "Astride a banshee in new world of Avatar," 16 June 2017
The bladder polyp, which looks like a pale blue tooth, stores water and glows in the dark.

— marjie lambert, miamiherald, "Astride a banshee in new world of Avatar," 16 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of polyp

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

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First Known Use: 1742

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POLYP Defined for English Language Learners

polyp

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noun

Definition of polyp for English Language Learners

medical : a small lump that grows inside your body (such as inside your colon or on your vocal cords)
: a small sea animal (such as a coral) that has a body shaped like a tube

POLYP Defined for Kids

polyp

play

noun pol·yp \ ˈpä-ləp \

Definition of polyp for Students

:a small sea animal (as a coral) having a tubelike body closed and attached to something (as a rock) at one end and opening at the other with a mouth surrounded by tentacles

Medical Dictionary

polyp

play

noun pol·yp \ ˈpäl-əp \

medical Definition of polyp

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

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See words that rhyme with polyp Britannica English: Translation of polyp for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyp

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polyp

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polypoid

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Origin and Etymology of polyp

POLYP Defined for English Language Learners

polyp

Definition of polyp for English Language Learners

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polyp

Definition of polyp for Students

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polyp

medical Definition of polyp

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polypoid

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