adenoid

1 of 2

noun

ad·​e·​noid ˈa-də-ˌnȯid 

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

Then, when Morgan was 7 and Allison just 5, doctors discovered polyps on Allison’s adenoids. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 June 2025

Some people may need just the tonsils or just the adenoids removed, while others require both to be removed at the same time. —Sukaina Hasnie, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

Adjective

Danner herself was previously diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a relatively rare form of oral cancer that often develops in the salivary glands. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024

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

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

Rhymes for adenoid

• alkaloid
• amoeboid
• amyloid
• aneroid
• anthropoid
• arachnoid
• asteroid
• benzenoid
• carcinoid
• celluloid
• coronoid
• humanoid

Kids Definition

adenoid

1 of 2 noun

ad·​e·​noid ˈad-ᵊn-ˌȯid 

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

ad·​e·​noid ˈad-ᵊn-ˌȯid, ˈad-ˌnȯid 

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

: pharyngeal tonsil