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tonsil

noun ton·sil \ ˈtän(t)-səl \
|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Definition of tonsil

1 : either of a pair of prominent masses of lymphoid tissue that lie one on each side of the throat between two folds of soft tissue that bound the fauces
2 : any of various masses of lymphoid tissue (such as the adenoids) that are similar to tonsils
—

tonsillar

play \ˈtän(t)-s(ə-)lər\ adjective

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Recent Examples of tonsil from the Web

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Origin and Etymology of tonsil

Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils

Phrases Related to TONSIL

Related Phrases

TONSIL Defined for English Language Learners

tonsil

noun

Definition of tonsil for English Language Learners

  • : either one of the pair of round, soft parts on the inside of your throat

TONSIL Defined for Kids

tonsil

noun ton·sil \ ˈtän-səl \

Definition of tonsil for Students

: either of a pair of masses of spongy tissue at the back of the mouth

Medical Dictionary

tonsil

noun ton·sil \ ˈtän(t)-səl \

medical Definition of tonsil

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

Learn More about tonsil

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of tonsil Nglish: Translation of tonsil for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tonsil for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tonsil

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