1
: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body
2
: a body resembling a cyst: such as
a
: a resting spore of many algae
b
: the air bladder of certain algae or aquatic plants (such as rockweed)
c
: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage
also
: this capsule with its contents
d
: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host
: bladder : sac
blastocyst
Examples of cyst in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, can present as cysts in the ovaries, as the name would suggest.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Winnipeg Jets team physician Peter MacDonald used the NanoNeedle on goalie Connor Hellebuyck, repairing a torn meniscus and removing a Baker’s cyst from Hellebuyck’s knee.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2026
The former name — which suggests the disorder mainly involves multiple ovarian cysts — misrepresents the wide-ranging hormonal and metabolic impact.
—Michelle Seguin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cyst
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Noun
Ovarian cysts, meanwhile, are follicles that persist or grow when the normal ovulation process is disrupted.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, can present as cysts in the ovaries, as the name would suggest.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Winnipeg Jets team physician Peter MacDonald used the NanoNeedle on goalie Connor Hellebuyck, repairing a torn meniscus and removing a Baker’s cyst from Hellebuyck’s knee.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 13 May 2026
The former name — which suggests the disorder mainly involves multiple ovarian cysts — misrepresents the wide-ranging hormonal and metabolic impact.
—Michelle Seguin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cyst
Cite this Entry
“Cyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyst. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cyst
noun1
: a closed pouch or sac of fluid or solid material that develops in the body in some diseased conditions
2
: a covering resembling a cyst or a body (as a spore) with such a covering
cystic
adjective
ˈsis-tik
Medical Definition
cyst
noun1
: a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a body cavity or structure
2
: a body resembling a cyst: as
a
: a capsule formed about a minute organism going into a resting or spore stage
also
: this capsule with its contents
b
: a resistant cover about a parasite produced by the parasite or the host compare hydatid sense 2a
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