polyp
UK[ˈpɒlɪp]US[ˈpɑːlɪp]
n
A small simple usually benign growth that projects from a mucous membrane, as in the colon or nose.
n
A coelenterate, such as a sea anemone or coral, having a cylindrical body with a mouth surrounded by tentacles at one end.
Morpheme Breakdown
poly
p
poly
many
p
foot
Etymology
The word 'polyp' entered English in the 16th century via French 'polype', from Latin 'polypus', which was a direct borrowing from Greek 'polypous'. The Greek compound 'polypous' literally means 'many-footed', from 'polys' (many) and 'pous' (foot). This vivid anatomical description was originally applied to the octopus or cuttlefish, creatures noted for their multiple tentacles. By metaphorical extension, this sense of a many-limbed form was later applied in medicine to describe certain growths with a stalk, and in zoology to describe the sessile, tentacled stage of coelenterates, thus connecting the ancient literal image to modern specialized meanings.
Analysis
Structure: poly (many) + p (foot)
poly is from Greek 'polys', meaning 'many'. p is a shortened form from Greek 'pous' (genitive 'podos'), meaning 'foot'. The word combines these elements to denote an entity with many feet or foot-like parts.
Examples
The doctor discovered a small polyp during the routine colonoscopy.
Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny polyps.
Nasal polyps can sometimes cause breathing difficulties.