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Tonsil - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tonsils are small, oval-shaped masses of tissue located at the back of the throat. They help trap germs and are part of the body’s immune system.

tonsil

/ˈtɑːnsəl/ /ˈtɒnsɪl/

Definition:

Either of two small masses of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat.

Synonyms:

palatine tonsil, faucial tonsil, lymphoid tissue

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(none commonly recognized)

Common Collocations:

swollen tonsils, infected tonsils, remove tonsils, inflamed tonsils, tonsil surgery

Derivatives:

tonsillectomy, tonsillitis

Usage Tips:

Use "tonsil" to refer specifically to the throat's lymphoid tissue; avoid confusion with other glands.

Common Phrases:

tonsils out, kiss someone's tonsils, have your tonsils removed

Etymology:

From Latin "tonsillae," meaning "the two glands near the throat."

Examples:

  • 1. The doctor examined her swollen tonsils.
  • 2. His sore throat was caused by infected tonsils.
  • 3. She had her tonsils removed as a child.
  • 4. The toddler’s fever was linked to inflamed tonsils.

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