1. small growths of tissue that project from a mucous membrane, especially in the nose, throat, or intestines
Usage: medical
2. small sea animals with soft bodies and tentacles, such as coral polyps or sea anemones
Usage: biology

Examples

• The doctor found several polyps during the colonoscopy.
• Nasal polyps can cause breathing difficulties and loss of smell.
• The surgeon removed the polyps from her throat.
• Coral polyps build the calcium carbonate structures of coral reefs.
• Sea anemone polyps capture small fish with their stinging tentacles.
• The patient’s polyps were benign and easily removed.
• Marine biologists study how polyps reproduce and grow.