poly- +
(Greek: many, much; too many, too much, excessive; abnormal)
Don’t confuse this poly- with another -poly which means “to sell”.
polycyesis
Multiple pregnancies or bearing two or more fetuses simultaneously.
Pregnancy in which two or more fetuses exist simultaneously. It may be monovular (resulting from the fertilization of a single ovum) or polyovular (resulting from the fertilization of more than one ovum).
When more than two fetuses coexist, they may come from one ovum or be the result of combined monovular and polyovular twinning.
polycystic kidney disease
An inherited disorder that is characterized by the development of innumerable cysts in the kidneys that are filled with fluid and replace much of the mass of the kidneys.
Cysts are closed cavities or sacs, normal or abnormal, lined by epithelium, and especially containing a liquid or semisolid material. The cysts eventually reduce kidney function, leading to kidney failure.
polycythemia
1. A disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood.
2. Too many red blood cells which is the opposite of anemia.
Polycythemia formally exists when the hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and the total volume are all above normal.
polydactyl, polydactylia
1. A developmental anomaly characterized by the presence of supernumerary digits (fingers or toes) on the hands and/or feet.
2. Having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.
polydactylism
Having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.
polydactyly
A reference to having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.
polydaemonism, polydemonism
1. A belief that there are many demons.
2. The worship of a multitude of demons or of demoniacal powers.
polydaemonistic
A reference to a belief in many evil spirits.
polydemic
Inhabiting or occurring in two or more regions.
polydemonism
The belief in many evil spirits.
polydemonist, polydaemonist
Someone who believes in many evil spirits.
polydemonistic
A reference to the belief in many evil spirits or demons or having consciousness of all kinds of evil spirits floating around.
polydiabolism
Belief in many devils.
polydiabolist
One who believes in many devils.
polydiabolistic
A descriptive term for a belief that there are many devils.
Related topics utilizing this poly- prefix: Polysemy and Polysemous and Polygamy Sections.
Inter-related cross references, directly or indirectly, involving word units meaning "more, plentiful, fullness, excessive, over flowing":
copi-;
exuber-;
hyper-;
multi-;
opulen-;
ple-;
pleio-;
plethor-;
super-;
total-;
ultra-;
undu-.
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