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

Surgery can remove benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous polyps. —Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 17 June 2024

Others are more serious than hemorrhoids but treatable, like an ulcer, an anal fissure, a polyp, or a medication (like an NSAID or blood thinner) that can cause bleeding as a side effect. —Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 10 June 2024

But a type of polyp called an adenoma can potentially turn into cancer. —Charlotte Hu, Vox, 4 June 2024

Many people choose to get a colonoscopy, which is a screening test that can also prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps. —Discover Magazine, 31 May 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