tonsil

noun

ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl How to pronounce tonsil (audio)
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 How to pronounce tonsil (audio)
adjective

Examples of tonsil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Men The vaccine has significant benefits for men to prevent oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the throat, tonsils, and back of tongue. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Mar. 2025 Maurice Haynes was diagnosed with terminal tonsil cancer last October, and is currently in the care of St Giles Hospice. — Bailey Richards, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Surgical Options include tonsil and adenoid removal, correction of a deviated septum and soft palate modifications. — Maria Sokolina, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 The weakened connective tissues in EDS might allow the cerebellar tonsils to herniate into the spinal canal more easily, linking the two conditions. — David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tonsil

Word History

Etymology

Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonsil was in 1601

Rhymes for tonsil

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Browse Nearby Words

tonsil
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Cite this Entry

“Tonsil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonsil. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

tonsil

noun
ton·​sil ˈtän(t)-səl How to pronounce tonsil (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce tonsil (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on tonsil

Nglish: Translation of tonsil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tonsil

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