1. a small growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane, especially in the nose or intestines
Usage: medical
2. an octopus or similar cephalopod mollusk
Usage: archaic; zoological

Examples

• The doctor discovered a polypus in the patient’s nasal cavity.
• Surgery was required to remove the intestinal polypus.
• The polypus was causing breathing difficulties.
• Ancient texts often referred to the octopus as a polypus.
• The marine biologist studied the polypus in its natural habitat.