tonsil

views updated May 11 2018

ton·sil / ˈtänsəl/ • n. either of two small masses of lymphoid tissue in the throat, one on each side of the root of the tongue.DERIVATIVES: ton·sil·lar / -sələr/ adj.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

tonsil

views updated May 29 2018

tonsil A mass of lymphoid tissue, several of which are situated at the back of the mouth and throat in higher vertebrates. In humans there are the palatine tonsils at the back of the mouth, lingual tonsils below the tongue, and pharyngeal tonsils (or adenoids) in the pharynx. They are concerned with the production of lymphocytes and therefore with defence against infection.

A Dictionary of Biology

tonsil

views updated May 11 2018

tonsil (usu. pl) gland at either side of the back of the mouth. XVII. — F. tonsilles or L. tonsillæ pl.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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