polycystic

adjective

poly·​cys·​tic ˌpä-lē-ˈsi-stik How to pronounce polycystic (audio)
: having or involving more than one cyst
polycystic kidneys
a polycystic disease

Examples of polycystic 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.
What causes overdiagnosis is the polycystic presentation of the ovary, which is very common. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026 Psoriasis and polycystic ovarian syndrome both run in my family. — Chloe Laws, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Apr. 2026 Studies have shown that some medical conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome and depression, can also increase food noise, as can stress and inadequate sleep. — Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026 Ultrasound thresholds for identifying polycystic ovaries have moved from 10 follicles, to 12, to 19 or more, depending on the era and the technology used. — Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for polycystic

Word History

Etymology

poly- + cystic

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polycystic was in 1861

Phrases Containing polycystic

Rhymes for polycystic

See All Rhymes for polycystic

Browse Nearby Words

polycyesis
polycystic
polycystic kidney disease
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polycystic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polycystic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

polycystic

adjective
poly·​cys·​tic -ˈsis-tik How to pronounce polycystic (audio)
: having or involving more than one cyst
polycystic kidneys
polycystic disease

More from Merriam-Webster on polycystic

Nglish: Translation of polycystic for Spanish Speakers

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