encyst

verb

en·​cyst in-ˈsist How to pronounce encyst (audio)
en-
encysted; encysting; encysts
Synonyms of encystnext

transitive verb

: to enclose in a cyst

intransitive verb

: to form or become enclosed in a cyst
encystment
in-ˈsis(t)-mənt How to pronounce encyst (audio)
en-
noun

Word History

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of encyst was in 1720

Rhymes for encyst

See All Rhymes for encyst

Browse Nearby Words

Encyrtidae
encyst
end
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encyst. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

encyst

verb
en·​cyst in-ˈsist How to pronounce encyst (audio)
en-
: to form or become enclosed in a cyst
encystment
-ˈsis(t)-mənt How to pronounce encyst (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

encyst

transitive verb
en·​cyst in-ˈsist, en- How to pronounce encyst (audio)
: to enclose in or as if in a cyst
an encysted tumor

intransitive verb

: to form or become enclosed in a cyst
protozoans encysting in order to resist desiccation
encystment
-ˈsis(t)-mənt How to pronounce encyst (audio)
noun

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