tonsil

[ ton-suh l ]
/ ˈtɒn səl /

noun Anatomy.

a prominent oval mass of lymphoid tissue on each side of the throat.

Origin of tonsil

First recorded in 1595–1605, tonsil is from the Latin word tōnsillae (plural) the tonsils

OTHER WORDS FROM tonsil

ton·sil·lar, ton·sil·ar, ton·sil·lar·y [ton-suh-ler-ee] /ˈtɒn səˌlɛr i/, adjective

Words nearby tonsil

tonometer, tonoplast, tonotopic, tonotropic, tons, tonsil, tonsilla, tonsillar, tonsillar crypt, tonsillar fossa, tonsillectomy

Example sentences from the Web for tonsils

British Dictionary definitions for tonsils

tonsil
/ (ˈtɒnsəl) /

noun

Also called: palatine tonsil either of two small masses of lymphatic tissue situated one on each side of the back of the mouth Related adjective: amygdaline
anatomy any small rounded mass of tissue, esp lymphatic tissue

Derived forms of tonsil

tonsillar or tonsillary, adjective

Word Origin for tonsil

C17: from Latin tōnsillae (pl) tonsils, of uncertain origin

Medical definitions for tonsils

tonsil
[ tŏn′səl ]

n.

A collection of lymphoid tissue.
A small oral mass of lymphoid tissue, especially either of two such masses embedded in the lateral walls of the opening between the mouth and the pharynx, of uncertain function, but believed to help protect the body from respiratory infections. faucial tonsil palatine tonsil

Scientific definitions for tonsils

tonsils
[ tŏn′səlz ]

The two oval-shaped masses of tissue at the back of the throat that lie between the mouth and the pharynx. The tonsils are thought to prevent infections of the breathing passages but often become infected themselves.

Cultural definitions for tonsils

tonsils

Two masses of tissue on either side of the throat. The tonsils, part of the lymphatic system, help defend the body against harmful microorganisms.

notes for tonsils

Formerly, tonsils were often removed surgically in childhood, but now they are not, unless the tonsils have grown too large or are continually subject to infection.