tonsillectomy

noun

ton·​sil·​lec·​to·​my ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē 

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

In more severe cases, your doctor might recommend a tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils altogether. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 30 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tonsillectomy

noun

ton·​sil·​lec·​to·​my ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē 

plural tonsillectomies

: the surgical removal of the tonsils

Medical Definition

tonsillectomy

noun

ton·​sil·​lec·​to·​my ˌtän(t)-sə-ˈlek-tə-mē 

plural tonsillectomies

: surgical excision of the tonsils