cystic

adjective

cys·​tic ˈsi-stik How to pronounce cystic (audio)
1
: of or relating to the urinary bladder or the gallbladder
2
: relating to, composed of, or containing cysts
3
: enclosed in a cyst

Examples of cystic 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.
Yerneni has struggled with cystic acne for most of her life. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 With cystic echinococcosis, cysts often develop in the liver and lungs. — Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026 The couple’s 13-year-old daughter is now struggling with cystic acne as well, and the husband said the girl privately expressed anxiety about the event. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 There are about 10 million cystic-fibrosis carriers in the United States alone, so if even a fraction of them have some degree of symptoms, that amounts to many people with manifestations of the disease. — Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cystic

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cystic was in 1713

Phrases Containing cystic

Rhymes for cystic

See All Rhymes for cystic

Browse Nearby Words

cysteine
cystic
cysticercal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

cystic

adjective
cys·​tic ˈsis-tik How to pronounce cystic (audio)
1
: relating to, composed of, or containing cysts
cystic tissue
a cystic tumor
2
: of or relating to the urinary bladder or the gallbladder
3
: enclosed in a cyst
a cystic worm larva
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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