Main Entry: ton·sil

Pronunciation: \ˈtän(t)-səl\

Function: noun

1 a : either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between the anterior and posterior pillars of the fauces and are composed of lymph follicles grouped around one or more deep crypts and except for the exposed surface which is covered only by epithelium are surrounded by diffuse lymphoid tissue in a fibrous capsule—called also palatine tonsil b : pharyngeal tonsil c : lingual tonsil
2 : a rounded prominence situated medially on the lower surface of each lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum