cyst
UK: sɪst | US: sɪst
n. a sac, vesicle, or bladder-like structure in the body, often filled with fluid or semi-solid material
n. (pathology) an abnormal membranous sac in the body containing gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substances
n. (biology) a protective capsule or spore case in some organisms
The word "cyst" traces back to the Greek kystis (κύστις), meaning "bladder" or "sac." This term was adopted into Late Latin as cystis and later into scientific Latin as cysta, retaining its core meaning of a fluid-filled pouch. The Greek root reflects ancient anatomical observations of bladder-like structures in organisms. Over time, "cyst" specialized in medical and biological contexts to describe pathological or natural sacs, emphasizing its functional resemblance to a bladder.
The doctor identified a small cyst on the patient's kidney during the ultrasound.
Some parasites form cysts as a survival mechanism in hostile environments.
The biopsy confirmed that the cyst was benign and required no immediate treatment.
In botany, certain algae produce cysts to withstand drought conditions.
A sebaceous cyst developed under her skin, causing mild discomfort.