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
Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
When the conditions are right, these cysts can seed harmful blooms in surface waters.
—Bymegan Gannon, science.org, 16 July 2024
The type of cyst Williams had is different from the everyday cysts people usually encounter.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune Well, 16 Oct. 2024
The cysts can block the flow of bile, leading to pale stool.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cyst 
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.
Noun
For Nancy, the doctor called with good news — the lump is a cyst, not a tumor.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
When the conditions are right, these cysts can seed harmful blooms in surface waters.
—Bymegan Gannon, science.org, 16 July 2024
The type of cyst Williams had is different from the everyday cysts people usually encounter.
—Ani Freedman, Fortune Well, 16 Oct. 2024
The cysts can block the flow of bile, leading to pale stool.
—Joy Emeh, Health, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cyst
Dictionary Entries Near cyst
Cite this Entry
“Cyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyst. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share