cyst Hear it!

cyst definition

cyst (sist)

noun

  1. any of certain saclike structures in plants or animals
  2. such a structure or pocket in the body when abnormal and filled with fluid or diseased matter
  3. a spherical, usually thick membrane, resistant to freezing, drying, etc., with which certain organisms are surrounded when in a resting stage

Etymology: ModL cystis < Gr kystis, sac, bladder < ? IE base *us-, var. of *wes-, to wheeze, blow

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.