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

They may be caused by tumors, polyps, and cancerous growths in the ear canal; hypothyroidism; some antibiotic and diuretic medications; or a variety of household chemicals your cat might have come into contact with. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025

These clumps of cells, called polyps, can be discovered by any number of tests that are recommended by a doctor based on a person's age and other risk factors including a family history of colorectal cancer and lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet and physical activity levels. —Daryl Austin, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Those polyps clone themselves over and over again, eventually forming larger coral colonies that build reefs. —Benji Jones, Vox, 4 Feb. 2025

Uterine polyps are rare in people younger than 20 and become more common with age. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 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

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