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

Cash had polyps on her vocal cords removed that left her unable to sing for years. —Pam Windsor, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Steve Spence / National Geographic Tiny organisms called coral polyps come together in complex networks to form colonies that then make up even larger coral reefs. —Peter Guo, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Rectal cancer tumors and colon cancer tumors usually originate from mutations that occur in polyps. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024

These are then caught by other polyps and are used to fertilize eggs throughout the colony. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 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