cyst

1 of 3

noun

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
The type of cyst Williams had is different from the everyday cysts people usually encounter. Ani Freedman, Fortune Well, 16 Oct. 2024 The cysts can block the flow of bile, leading to pale stool. Joy Emeh, Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Geraghty points out that deep cysts or milia can masquerade as blackheads, and both necessitate a visit to the dermatologist since both require more than a simple extraction. Deanna Pai, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2024 For example, breast lumps, Dr. Schwer says, are actually really common and more likely to be something benign like cysts or growths called fibroadenomas. Amy Norton, SELF, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cyst 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cyst.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyst was circa 1723

Dictionary Entries Near cyst

cyst-

cyst

-cyst

Cite this Entry

“Cyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyst. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cyst

noun
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
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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