polyp UK /ˈpɒlɪp/US /ˈpɑlɪp/ noun3 •An abnormal growth protruding from a mucous membrane. •A cylindrical coelenterate, such as the hydra, having a mouth surrounded with tentacles. •The sessile life stage of many cnidarians, whose free-swimming stage, if present, is the medusa. formspolyps