tonsil

noun ton·sil \ ˈtän(t)-səl \

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

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tonsillar

play \ˈtän(t)-s(ə-)lər\ adjective

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Recent Examples of tonsil from the Web

The good news is that OSA usually can be treated with a simple, outpatient surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids.

— ramzi younis, m.d., miamiherald, "Snoring can affect your child’s school performance and behavior," 24 July 2017
The group performed this cover again on SiriusXM months after Perrie had her tonsils taken out. 5.

— lai frances, Billboard, "Little Mix's 12 Best Live Covers: Watch These Powerful Takes on Beyonce, Rihanna & More," 15 July 2017
It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children.

— steve almasy, CNN, "Opioid Opana ER to be pulled by pharmaceutical company," 6 July 2017
It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children.

— steve almasy, CNN, "Opioid Opana ER to be pulled by pharmaceutical company," 6 July 2017
It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children.

— steve almasy, CNN, "Opioid Opana ER to be pulled by pharmaceutical company," 6 July 2017
It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children.

— steve almasy, CNN, "Opioid Opana ER to be pulled by pharmaceutical company," 6 July 2017
It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children.

— nancy coleman, CNN, "Ohio official: Don't send medics for third overdose," 29 June 2017
It has frequently been used for pain relief after removal of tonsils and adenoids in children.

— nadia kounang, CNN, "Mother sees hope amid opioid crisis," 9 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of tonsil

Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils

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First Known Use: 1601

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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

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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tonsil

Definition of tonsil

tonsillar

Recent Examples of tonsil from the Web

Origin and Etymology of tonsil

TONSIL Defined for English Language Learners

tonsil

Definition of tonsil for English Language Learners

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tonsil

Definition of tonsil for Students

Medical Dictionary

tonsil

medical Definition of tonsil

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tonsil

Definition of tonsil

tonsillar

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