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

The creatures can get up to 3 inches long but — despite looking like a single, blobby friend — are built of a colony of smaller entities called polyps. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024

However, most cases of colon cancer begin as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps, which, over time, can become cancerous. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Mar. 2024

Besides spotting tumors, colonoscopies can prevent the disease by removing precancerous growths called polyps. —Carla K. Johnson, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024

What to know about the seafarers Also known as by-the-wind sailors, the blobs are not jellyfish but colonies of polyps similar to the Portuguese man o’ war, according to JellyWatch. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024

It was first approved in 2003 and has been used to treat asthma, nasal polyps and chronic hives. —Jonel Aleccia, Quartz, 16 Feb. 2024

While polyps are usually harmless, a few can turn into cancers, so doctors want to find all of them and remove them to prevent cancers from forming. —Gina Kolata, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024

The polyp stage comes before the animals reach their identifiable adult forms. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2024

While the screening test should be covered under the ACA, many patients are billed for extra charges, such as sedation and polyp removal. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 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