tonsillectomy

noun

ton·​sil·​lec·​to·​my ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē How to pronounce tonsillectomy (audio)
plural tonsillectomies
: the surgical removal of the tonsils

Did you know?

The tonsils are the areas of tissue that you can see in the mirror on both sides of your throat (not to be confused with the uvula, which hangs down in the middle). Tonsillectomy, the most common surgery performed on children in the U.S., is intended to relieve tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils (usually by strep or staph bacteria). But the fact is, tonsillitis can often be successfully treated with antibiotics, which means that surgery, including the week or two of pain and discomfort that follows it, is generally unnecessary.

Examples of tonsillectomy in a Sentence

The surgeon performed a tonsillectomy.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Surgery Some cases of IgA nephropathy may benefit from a tonsillectomy, a surgery that removes your tonsils in the throat. Mark Gurarie, Health, 30 Sep. 2024 Children and adults who experience these issues may benefit from a tonsillectomy: Recurrent or chronic sore throat. Pao Vang, M.d., Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2023 Some people think tonsillectomies are only for children under 12. Pao Vang, M.d., Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2023 The surgery, called a tonsillectomy, is usually only recommended if your child is getting strep seven or more times in one year. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for tonsillectomy 

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonsillectomy was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near tonsillectomy

Cite this Entry

“Tonsillectomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonsillectomy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tonsillectomy

noun
ton·​sil·​lec·​to·​my ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē How to pronounce tonsillectomy (audio)
plural tonsillectomies
: the surgical removal of the tonsils

Medical Definition

tonsillectomy

noun
ton·​sil·​lec·​to·​my ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē How to pronounce tonsillectomy (audio)
plural tonsillectomies
: surgical excision of the tonsils

More from Merriam-Webster on tonsillectomy

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