adenoid

[ ad-n-oid ]

noun

1. Usually adenoids. an enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue in the upper pharynx, often obstructing breathing through the nasal passages.

adjective

1. of or relating to the lymph glands.
2. of or relating to the adenoids.

adenoid

/ ˈædɪˌnɔɪd /

adjective

1. of or resembling a gland
2. of or relating to lymphoid tissue, as that found in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, etc
3. of or relating to the adenoids

Word History and Origins

Origin of adenoid¹

From the Greek word adenoeidḗs, dating back to 1830–40. See aden-, -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of adenoid¹

C19: from Greek adenoeidēs. See adeno- , -oid

Example Sentences

The most common procedures are the insertion of grommets in the ears, removal of tonsils and adenoids, and orthopaedic surgery.

From BBC

She deserves a treat because she really helped us out last week when our little boy had his tonsils and adenoids out.

From BBC

His voice was slightly nasal, perhaps because he needed to have his tonsils and adenoids removed.

From Literature

She looked, and sounded, a bit like Olive Oyl, with reddish hair, freckles, and a bad case of adenoids.

From New York Times

In children, the culprit is frequently obstructions from the adenoids or tonsils, and the solution can be as simple as an operation.

From Salon