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

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

Visible White or Yellow Debris Visible debris in the tonsils is a common sign of tonsil stones. —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 5 Oct. 2024

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

Causes Cobblestone throat occurs when there's swelling and inflammation in the tonsils and adenoids. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 Sep. 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