Polyp

['pɒlɪp] or ['pɑlɪp]

Definition

(noun.) one of two forms that coelenterates take (e.g. a hydra or coral): usually sedentary with a hollow cylindrical body usually with a ring of tentacles around the mouth; 'in some species of coelenterate, polyps are a phase in the life cycle that alternates with a medusoid phase'.

(noun.) a small vascular growth on the surface of a mucous membrane.

Checker: Mollie--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) One of the feeding or nutritive zooids of a hydroid or coral.

(n.) One of the Anthozoa.

(n.) Same as Anthozoa. See Anthozoa, Madreporaria, Hydroid.

Typed by Hester

Definition

n. a name usually applied to an animal like the fresh-water hydra having a tubular body and a wreath of many tentacles round the mouth: something with many feet or roots: a pedunculated tumour attached to the surface of a mucous membrane—in the nose &c.—also Pol′ypus:—pl. Polypes (pol′ips) Polypi (pol′i-pī).—ns. Pol′ypary the horny or chitonous outer covering of a colony of polyps; Pol′ypide an individual zoé°…d of a polyzoarium or compound polyzoan; Polyp′idom an aggregate of polypites or polypides; Pol′ypier one individual of a compound polyp: a polypidom polypary or polyp-stock.—adj. Pol′ypous.

Checker: Maryann