tonsil
noun
ton·sil
ˈtän(t)-səl 
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
Examples of tonsil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But last month, the band announced that lead guitarist Jimmy Herring was diagnosed with stage 1 tonsil cancer, and was expected to make a full recovery.
—
Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024
Lymphoma also affects these organs, as well as the tonsils, part of the respiratory tract, and mucous membranes.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 8 Aug. 2024
Surgery: Surgical procedures can help remove excess tissue from the tonsils or adenoids.
—Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024
This proved especially true in children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tonsil 
Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024
Lymphoma also affects these organs, as well as the tonsils, part of the respiratory tract, and mucous membranes.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 8 Aug. 2024
Surgery: Surgical procedures can help remove excess tissue from the tonsils or adenoids.
—Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024
This proved especially true in children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for tonsil
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tonsil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Tonsil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonsil. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tonsil
noun
ton·sil
ˈtän(t)-səl
: 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
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
c
2
: a rounded prominence situated medially on the lower surface of each lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum
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