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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Recent Examples of tonsil from the Web
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Just go for the gusto and portray Saturn in mid-chomp, with a tot’s fingers grazing his tonsils.
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Origin and Etymology of tonsil
Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils
First Known Use: 1601
TONSIL Defined for English Language Learners
tonsil
playDefinition of tonsil for English Language Learners
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: either one of the pair of round, soft parts on the inside of your throat
TONSIL Defined for Kids
tonsil
playDefinition of tonsil for Students
: either of a pair of masses of spongy tissue at the back of the mouth
Medical Dictionary
tonsil
playMedical Definition of tonsil
1a: 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 tonsilb: pharyngeal tonsilc: lingual tonsil
2: a rounded prominence situated medially on the lower surface of each lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum
Learn More about tonsil
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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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