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)
Examples of polyp in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the test, developed by Guardant Health, misses more precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers than other methods.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
The new stool tests have evolved in their ability to detect polyps and abnormal cells in samples.
—Andrea Dwyer, The Conversation, 30 May 2026
Precancerous polyps don’t release those DNA fragments.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 May 2026
Stool tests can also pick up signs of precancerous polyps, and if a stool test is positive, it must be followed up with a colonoscopy, which provides an opportunity for prevention, according to the American Cancer Society.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyp
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
The new stool tests have evolved in their ability to detect polyps and abnormal cells in samples.
—Andrea Dwyer, The Conversation, 30 May 2026
Precancerous polyps don’t release those DNA fragments.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 27 May 2026
Stool tests can also pick up signs of precancerous polyps, and if a stool test is positive, it must be followed up with a colonoscopy, which provides an opportunity for prevention, according to the American Cancer Society.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for polyp
Cite this Entry
“Polyp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyp. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polyp
noun
pol·yp
ˈpäl-əp 
: 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
: a projecting mass of swollen and hypertrophied or tumorous membrane (as in the nasal cavity or the intestine)
called also polypus
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