adenoid

1 of 2

noun

ad·​e·​noid ˈa-də-ˌnȯid How to pronounce adenoid (audio)
ˈad-ˌnȯid
: either of two abnormally enlarged masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx that usually obstruct the nasal and ear passages
also : such a mass when not abnormally enlarged
usually used in plural

adenoid

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to the adenoids
2
: relating to, affected with, or associated with abnormally enlarged adenoids
a severe adenoid condition
adenoid facies

Examples of adenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The investigators randomly assigned half of the children with these issues to have their tonsils and adenoids removed, and the other half to undergo ‘watchful waiting’ over a 12 month period. Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 The state-of-the-art facility treats a variety of conditions like tonsillitis, removal of adenoids, hand injuries, minor plastic surgery and ophthalmology, and will enable Evelina London to accommodate an additional 2,300 children per year. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023 For example, a deviated septum—when the center section of the nose is shifted to one side—and enlarged adenoids, tissue masses in your airway, are also often associated with chronic sinus infections. Kristin Koch, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 Issues like a deviated septum or enlarged adenoids may require surgery, says Dr. Silvera. Samantha Leal, Allure, 19 Sep. 2023 Even after having his adenoids removed as a solution to what his parents decided was an ear problem, Musk still retreated into his own world. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023 Discovered in human adenoid glands in 1953, adenoviruses have a number of features that lend themselves to drug delivery. John Lauerman, Bloomberg.com, 17 Oct. 2020 To make matters worse, Dominic is waiting for surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids. Cathy Kozlowicz, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2020 New research has also shed light on the value of our tonsils and adenoids. Claudia Wallis, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2019
Adjective
On Thursday, the Married to Real Estate star, 46, shared video on Instagram of daughter Harper Skye, 4, before and after getting adenoid removal surgery. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2023 Thankfully, the tumor, though found to be cancerous adenoid carcinoma, was removed in time. Essence, 5 Nov. 2021 But Mike's junior year, he was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma and lost part of his face. Dana Hunsinger Benbow, The Indianapolis Star, 21 May 2020 Though the precise cause of death is unknown at the present time, in 2009 he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma, which affected his tongue. Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE.com, 5 Dec. 2019 Following her initial diagnosis 10 years ago, Gabe’s adenoid cystic carcinoma returned in 2016 and 2017, according to her website. Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, 23 Aug. 2019 On Tuesday night, Gabriele Grunewald, known to the running community and far beyond as Gabe, died of complications due to adenoid cystic carcinoma. Tim Layden, SI.com, 11 June 2019 Grunewald, known by many in the running world as Gabe, ran with her own scar on her abdomen, a result of surgical treatment for adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. Nick Kelly, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2019 The cause was adenoid cystic carcinoma, a form of cancer, said a son, Chris Mitchell. Matt Schudel, Washington Post, 14 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adenoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

earlier, "a benign tumor (as of the breast)," borrowed from French adénoïde, short for tumeur adénoïde, literally, "adenoid (i.e., glandular) tumor" — more at adenoid entry 2

Adjective

earlier, "of or relating to glands or glandular tissue," borrowed from French adénoïde, borrowed from New Latin adenoïdēs, borrowed from Greek adenoeidḗs "glandular," from aden-, adḗn "gland" + -oeidēs -oid entry 2 — more at adeno-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adenoid was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near adenoid

Cite this Entry

“Adenoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adenoid. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

adenoid

1 of 2 noun
ad·​e·​noid ˈad-ᵊn-ˌȯid How to pronounce adenoid (audio)
ˈad-ˌnȯid
: either of two masses of tissue at the back of the pharynx that usually interfere with breathing when abnormally enlarged
usually used in plural

adenoid

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of or relating to the adenoids
2
: relating to or affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids

Medical Definition

adenoid

1 of 2 adjective
1
: of, like, or relating to glands or glandular tissue
especially : like or belonging to lymphoid tissue
2
: of or relating to the adenoids
in the adenoid region of the pharynx
3
a
: of, relating to, or affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids
a severe adenoid condition
an adenoid patient
b
: characteristic of one affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids
adenoid facies

adenoid

2 of 2 noun
1
: an abnormally enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx characteristically obstructing the nasal and ear passages and inducing mouth breathing, nasality, postnasal discharge, and dullness of facial expression
usually used in plural
2

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