adenoid

noun

ad·e·noid | \ ˈa-də-ˌnȯid

, ˈad-ˌnȯid\

Definition of adenoid

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

adjective

Definition of adenoid (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Jahi’s case, which drew national attention and launched a debate over how to define death, began in December 2013 when the 13-year-old underwent a routine surgery to remove her tonsils, adenoids and uvula. — Alene Tchekmedyian, latimes.com, "Jahi McMath, girl at center of debate over brain death, dies, mother says," 29 June 2018 Jahi went into cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery to remove her tonsils, adenoids and uvula along with bony structures from her nose and throat and palate tissue. — CBS News, "Jahi McMath taken out of Oakland hospital in private ambulance, now in custody of mom," 6 Jan. 2014 Image More than 530,000 children have their tonsils or adenoids removed in the United States each year to prevent recurrent infections and sleep or breathing disorders. — Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, "Tonsillectomy Risks May Outweigh Benefits," 7 June 2018 Also on the platform: the platinum-haired Draco Malfoy (Alex Price), once Harry’s sinister rival, and his nerdy son, Scorpius (Anthony Boyle, who leads with his adenoids in a show-stealing performance). — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Review: ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Raises the Bar for Broadway Magic," 22 Apr. 2018 Bro Hart appears as little more than adenoids and a phallus. — Michael Friedrich, The New Republic, "Men and Apparitions Dissects A Male Feminist’s Crisis," 9 Apr. 2018 It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN, "FDA head calls for mandatory education, internet policing to fight opioid crisis," 4 Apr. 2018 Removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy) may be recommended. — Philly.com, "Teens and their tonsils: When do they need to be out?," 1 Mar. 2018 It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children. — Cnn Library, CNN, "Opioid Crisis Fast Facts," 19 Feb. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Not just one diagnosis, but four in eight years, including a rare salivary gland cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma. — Brittany Risher, SELF, "After 4 Cancer Diagnoses in 8 Years, This Pro Racer Is Still Running," 12 May 2018 One is Gabriele Grunewald, a professional middle-distance runner sponsored by Brooks who is being treated for a rare cancer, adenoid cystic carcinoma, but continues to compete. — Gina Kolata, New York Times, "When Running Is More Than a Sport," 21 Jan. 2018 Her battle began when she was first diagnosed in 2009 with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. — Caitlin Keating, PEOPLE.com, "Runner Battling Cancer for the 4th Time Still Competing During Chemo: I Need to ‘Carry On’," 23 June 2017 Grunewald was first diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma in 2009 during her college years at the University of Minnesota. — Sarah Lorge Butler, Fox News, "Elite runner tackles cancer while crossing the finish line," 22 June 2017 Grunewald was diagnosed in 2009 with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a form of cancer in her salivary gland. — Pat Graham, The Seattle Times, "Grunewald ready to race at nationals in middle of chemo," 21 June 2017 Grunewald, an elite middle-distance runner, has a form of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma. — Matt Kawahara, sacbee.com, "From chemotherapy to starting line, she faces nation’s best in race unlike any other," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'adenoid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for adenoid

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 aden-

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The first known use of adenoid was in 1864

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More Definitions for adenoid

adenoid

adjective

ad·e·noid | \ ˈad-ᵊn-ˌȯid, ˈad-ˌnȯid

Medical Definition of adenoid

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

3a : 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

noun

Medical Definition of adenoid (Entry 2 of 2)

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