rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryadenoidThroat tissue
noun / adjective

adenoid

AD-uh-noyd/ˈædʌnˌɔɪd/

Lymphatic tissue high in the throat behind the nose.

The diagram shows adenoid tissue behind the child's nasal passage.

Accurate sagittal medical diagram of the nose and throat highlights the adenoid at the roof/posterior wall of the nasopharynx, above the soft palate; no external nose lump.
Etymology
adenGreekgland
+oidGreekresembling

Meaning “gland-like,” adenoid began as a description of resemblance. The noun developed from “adenoid growths,” turning that description into a name for the lymph tissue high behind the nose.

In context

The Science Circle Foundation2:10
a clump of adenoid lymphoid tissue called the adenoid
Robert A. Hendrix - Human Papillomavirus

More examples

  • The doctor examines the child's enlarged adenoids.
  • The report describes swelling in the adenoid tissue.
  • The anatomy class compares the adenoid with the tonsils.

Forms

adenoid · adenoids