adenoids

British  

/ ˈædɪˌnɔɪdz /

plural noun

1. Technical name: pharyngeal tonsil.  a mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat behind the uvula: when enlarged it often restricts nasal breathing, esp in young children

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adenoids Scientific  

/ ăd′n-oidz′ /

1. The small mass of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity. Swelling of the adenoids can block breathing through the nose.

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adenoids Cultural  

1. Two masses of tissue at the junction of the nose and throat, which, like the tonsils, function in the lymphatic system. They help filter out harmful microorganisms that can cause infection. Continually swollen adenoids may interfere with breathing and affect speech.

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Discover More

Swollen adenoids give a distinctive nasal sound to the voice.

Adenoids are sometimes surgically removed along with the tonsils if they are persistently inflamed (see inflammation).

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2023

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

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2021

He had his tonsils and adenoids removed when he was 6, which made his hospital stays less frequent and enabled him to play sports.

From Washington Post • Jul. 23, 2019

If she didn’t improve, her tonsils, adenoids and colon were next in line.

From New York Times • Oct. 17, 2014

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

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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