cyst

1 of 3

noun

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

cyst-

2 of 3

combining form

variants or cysti- or cysto-
: bladder
cystitis
: sac
cystocarp

-cyst

3 of 3

noun combining form

: bladder : sac
blastocyst

Examples of cyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This infection can turn into a cyst over time.5 These conditions are more likely to occur when the skin is damp and hot, like during a cycling class. Kelly Hoover Greenway, Health, 19 June 2024 Despite maintaining a healthy diet, the progressive nature of the disease caused his kidneys to develop cysts and deteriorate. Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2024 This condition is denoted by cysts on the ovaries, failure to release eggs during ovulation cycles and an enlarged uterus. Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024 People cannot get this condition from eating undercooked pork unless the pork contains larval cysts. John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for cyst 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cyst.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin cystis, from Greek kystis bladder, pouch; akin to Sanskrit śvasiti he blows, snorts — more at wheeze

Combining form

French, from Greek kyst-, kysto-, from kystis

Noun combining form

New Latin -cystis, from Greek kystis

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyst was circa 1723

Dictionary Entries Near cyst

Cite this Entry

“Cyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyst. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

cyst

noun
1
: 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
ˈsis-tik
adjective

Medical Definition

cyst

noun
1
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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