rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypolypAbnormal tissue growth
noun

polyp

PAH-lip/ˈpɑːlɪp/

A small abnormal growth projecting from a moist lining inside the body.

A small polyp projects from the intestinal wall.

Tasteful anatomical cutaway of an intestinal wall showing one small smooth pink tissue polyp protruding into the hollow interior on a short stalk, surrounding wall healthy and smooth.
Etymology
polyGreekmany
+pGreekfoot

The Greek “many-footed” name denoted an octopus or cuttlefish. Latin also used that animal name for a nasal tumor, providing the medical sense behind today's projecting tissue growth.

In context

Doctors' Circle World's Largest Health Platform0:56
it could be a sign of a cervical erosion, an infection, or a cervical polyp.
Is it normal to bleed when you are not on your period? - Dr. Shalini Varma of Cloudnine Hospitals

More examples

  • The doctor removed the polyp for laboratory analysis.
  • Several polyps projected from the tissue's surface.
  • The report described the polyp's size and location.

Forms

polyp · polyps

Similar words

tumor
A tumor is an abnormal tissue mass; a polyp specifically projects from a surface.
cyst
A cyst is a saclike structure; a polyp is a projecting growth.