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

Midway through his presidency in 1985, after doctors discovered a benign polyp and traces of blood during routine tests, Reagan was advised to avoid rare steak and other red meats. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026

People who have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps should start screening earlier than age 45, Siegel said. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Feb. 2026

Jangouk doesn't recommend the blood or stool test because of the rates of false positives and false negatives and the chances of missing a precancerous polyp. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2026

Colonoscopy Doctors use a longer tube to look for polyps or cancer in the rectum and the entire colon. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for polyp

• dollop
• wallop

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