tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl 

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

ˈtän(t)-s(ə-)lər 

adjective

Examples of tonsil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jones also accompanied the man to his daughter’s doctor appointment Monday, where the child was getting her tonsils out. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024

Your doctor might suggest procedures like laser tonsil cryptolysis, which smooths the tonsil crypts to reduce stone formation. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

If tonsil stones are impacting your quality of life, Brown recommends seeing a physician to have a discussion about tonsil activity. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

The tonsils are an integral part of the body’s immune function. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl 

: either of a pair of oval-shaped masses of spongy tissue that lie one on each side of the throat at the back of the mouth

Medical Definition

tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl 

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