polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpä-ləp How to pronounce polyp (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of polyp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some of these common drugs include antacids, antidepressants, blood pressure medication, iron supplements, and opiates (narcotics). Polyps or tumors: A blockage in the intestine caused by a large growth (a polyp) or a tumor prevents stool from passing. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025 In July 2024, according to the report, then-candidate Trump had a colonoscopy that found a benign polyp and the condition called diverticulosis. Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 The report also revealed that the president underwent a colonoscopy last July, when he was diagnosed with diverticulitis and a benign polyp, and had cataract surgery at some undetailed point in the past. Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025 For people with nasal congestion or conditions like nasal polyps, mouth taping could lead to suffocation during sleep. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for polyp

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyp was in 1742

Cite this Entry

“Polyp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyp. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

polyp

noun
pol·​yp ˈpäl-əp How to pronounce polyp (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce polyp (audio)
: a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane (as in the nasal cavity or the intestine)

called also polypus

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