tonsil

noun ton·sil \ˈtän(t)-səl\

: either one of the pair of round, soft parts on the inside of your throat

Full Definition of TONSIL

: 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

: any of various masses of lymphoid tissue (as the adenoids) that are similar to tonsils

— ton·sil·lar \ˈtän(t)-s(ə-)lər\ adjective

See tonsil defined for English-language learners

See tonsil defined for kids

Origin of TONSIL

Latin tonsillae, plural, tonsils

First Known Use: 1601

TONSILS Defined for Kids

tonsil

noun ton·sil \ˈtän-səl\

Definition of TONSIL for Kids

: either of a pair of masses of spongy tissue at the back of the mouth

Medical Dictionary

tonsil

noun ton·sil \ˈtän(t)-səl\

Medical Definition of TONSIL

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

: a rounded prominence situated medially on the lower surface of each lateral hemisphere of the cerebellum