First Known Use: circa 1720
Dictionary
cyst
noun \ˈsist\
medical : a growth filled with liquid that forms in or on your body
Full Definition of CYST
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: as a : a resting spore of many algae b : a gas-filled vesicle (as of a rockweed or bladderwort) 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
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Origin of CYST
New Latin cystis, from Greek kystis bladder, pouch; akin to Sanskrit śvasiti he blows, snorts — more at wheeze
Other Medicine Terms
CYST Defined for Kids
cyst
noun \ˈsist\
Definition of CYST for Kids
1
: an abnormal lump or sac that forms in or on the body
2
: a saclike structure with a protective covering or a body (as a spore) with such a covering
Medical Dictionary
cyst
noun \ˈsist\
Medical Definition of CYST
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 2a
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