polyp

noun

pol·​yp ˈpä-ləp How to pronounce polyp (audio)
Synonyms of polypnext
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 How to pronounce polyp (audio)
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.
The new stool tests have evolved in their ability to detect polyps and abnormal cells in samples. — Andrea Dwyer, The Conversation, 30 May 2026 From that polyp colony, free-swimming medusae bud off and develop into mature adults within a matter of weeks. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive screening option and the only test that can remove precancerous polyps. — Amber Brenza, Health, 27 May 2026 Precancerous polyps don’t release those DNA fragments. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 May 2026 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

Rhymes for polyp

See All Rhymes for polyp

Browse Nearby Words

polyoxymethylene glycol
polyp
polyparasitism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polyp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on polyp

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for polyp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polyp

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