Polyp
/ˈpɒl.ɪp/noun
A small, usually stalked or sac-like animal form, especially a cnidarian such as a coral or sea anemone; also a growth projecting from a mucous membrane.
Did you know?Polyp comes from Greek *polypous*, a term built from *poly-* “many” + *pous* “foot,” the same ancient root family behind words like *octopus* and *podium*.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
polypous (πολύπους)
“many-footed”
Late Latin
Latin
polypus
“an octopus; also a sea creature with multiple appendages”
Old French
French
polype
“a sea creature; later a fleshy growth”
16th Century
English
polyp
“a sea creature or animal form with tentacles; later a growth”
Modern English
English
polyp
“a small stalked or sac-like animal form, or a mucous-membrane growth”