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

Sugimoto was also able to successfully raise the species from the polyp stage, an early phase of development, marking the first time that stage had been identified for the entire Orchistoma genus, according to the NOAA. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025

Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) is long-term inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Mar. 2025

More seriously, an irregular menstrual cycle could be a sign of a growth, such as a polyp, a reproductive health condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adenomyosis, or a thyroid disorder. —Julia Ries, SELF, 24 Feb. 2025

The benefit of the colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy over the CT colonography is that if a precancerous polyp is seen, it could be removed during the procedure to prevent it from developing into cancer in the future. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for polyp

• dollop
• wallop

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