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.
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.