Word
cyst
US/ˈsɪst/
UK/sˈɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small, closed bag or lump under the skin or inside the body that is filled with fluid or air. Most are not dangerous, but a doctor might need to check them.
n. an abnormal, sac-like pocket of membranous tissue containing fluid, air, sebum, or other materials. Can occur anywhere in the body and is typically distinct from an abscess as it is not necessarily infected.
Examples
“The doctor removed a small cyst from my wrist.”
“While most skin cysts are benign and painless, they can become inflamed or infected if they are squeezed or irritated.”
“The ultrasound revealed a fluid-filled ovarian cyst, which the specialist monitored over several months to ensure it would resolve naturally without surgical intervention.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor removed a small cyst from my wrist.”
contextual
“While most skin cysts are benign and painless, they can become inflamed or infected if they are squeezed or irritated.”
complex
“The ultrasound revealed a fluid-filled ovarian cyst, which the specialist monitored over several months to ensure it would resolve naturally without surgical intervention.”
Etymology
From Late Latin cystis, from Ancient Greek κύστις (kústis, “anatomical sac”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
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