noun
tonsil
TAHN-suhl/ˈtɑːnsl/
A mass of immune tissue at the back of the throat.
The two tonsils sit on either side of the throat.
Etymology
The Latin name treats the tonsil as a small swelling: it is a diminutive of a word meaning “goiter.” That underlying word may be of Gaulish origin.
In context
So, if you have a tonslectomy, this is going to be the tonsil that gets removed or collection of lymphoid tissue.
More examples
- The doctor notices that one tonsil is swollen.
- Your tonsils help your immune system fight infections.
- She had her tonsils removed after repeated throat infections.
Forms
tonsil · tonsils
tonsillitis noun — Inflammation of one or both tonsils.
tonsillectomy noun — Surgical removal of the tonsils.