adenoid

[ ad-n-oid ]
/ ˈæd nˌɔɪd /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR adenoid ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Usually adenoids. an enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue in the upper pharynx, often obstructing breathing through the nasal passages.

adjective

of or relating to the lymph glands.
of or relating to the adenoids.

Origin of adenoid

From the Greek word adenoeidḗs, dating back to 1830–40. See aden-, -oid

Words nearby adenoid

adenofibromyoma, adenofibrosis, adenogenous, adenohypophysis, adenohypophysitis, adenoid, adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenoid facies, adenoid squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid tissue, adenoidal

Words related to adenoids

snout, beak, muzzle, snoot, proboscis, bill, nares, nostrils, schnoz, snuffer, horn, sniffer, smeller

Example sentences from the Web for adenoids

British Dictionary definitions for adenoids (1 of 2)

adenoids
/ (ˈædɪˌnɔɪdz) /

pl n

a mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat behind the uvula: when enlarged it often restricts nasal breathing, esp in young children Technical name: pharyngeal tonsil

British Dictionary definitions for adenoids (2 of 2)

adenoid
/ (ˈædɪˌnɔɪd) /

adjective

of or resembling a gland
of or relating to lymphoid tissue, as that found in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, etc
of or relating to the adenoids

Word Origin for adenoid

C19: from Greek adenoeidēs. See adeno-, -oid

Medical definitions for adenoids

adenoid
[ ăd′n-oid′ ]

n.

A lymphoid tissue growth located at the back of the nose in the upper part of the throat that when swollen may obstruct normal breathing and make speech difficult.
adenoids Hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil resulting from chronic inflammation.

adj.

Of, relating to, or resembling lymphatic glands or lymphatic tissue.

Other words from adenoid

ad′e•noi′dal (ăd′n-oid′l) adj.

Scientific definitions for adenoids

adenoids
[ ăd′n-oidz′ ]

The small mass of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity. Swelling of the adenoids can block breathing through the nose.

Cultural definitions for adenoids

adenoids
[ (ad-n-oydz, ad-noydz) ]

Two masses of tissue at the junction of the nose and throat, which, like the tonsils, function in the lymphatic system. They help filter out harmful microorganisms that can cause infection. Continually swollen adenoids may interfere with breathing and affect speech.

notes for adenoids

Adenoids are sometimes surgically removed along with the tonsils if they are persistently inflamed ( see inflammation).

notes for adenoids

Swollen adenoids give a distinctive nasal sound to the voice.