cyst

1 of 3

noun

ˈsist 

1

: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body

2

: a body resembling a cyst: such as

a

: a resting spore of many algae

b

: the air bladder of certain algae or aquatic plants (such as rockweed)

c

: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage

also : this capsule with its contents

d

: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host

cyst-

2 of 3

combining form

variants or cysti- or cysto-

: bladder

cystitis

: sac

cystocarp

-cyst

3 of 3

noun combining form

: bladder : sac

blastocyst

Examples of cyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, a new report from TMZ claims that a cyst was discovered on the actor's spine. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026

In another, the bot mistook a mammogram of a benign breast cyst for an image of testicles. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026

The scan showed a cyst on his pancreas, but something else was looming larger. —Bo Evans, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

Unlike nodules, polyps and cysts don't typically improve with voice therapy. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin cystis, from Greek kystis bladder, pouch; akin to Sanskrit śvasiti he blows, snorts — more at wheeze

Combining form

French, from Greek kyst-, kysto-, from kystis

Noun combining form

New Latin -cystis, from Greek kystis

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cyst

• dermoid cyst

Rhymes for cyst

• cist
• cyst
• fist
• gist
• grist
• hissed
• kissed
• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist

Kids Definition

cyst

noun

ˈsist 

1

: a closed pouch or sac of fluid or solid material that develops in the body in some diseased conditions

2

: a covering resembling a cyst or a body (as a spore) with such a covering

cystic

ˈsis-tik

adjective

Medical Definition

cyst

noun

ˈsist 

1

: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a body cavity or structure

2

: a body resembling a cyst: as

a

: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage

also : this capsule with its contents

b

: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host compare hydatid sense 2a