adenoids

/ 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

adenoids

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.

adenoids

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.

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).

Related Words

• beak 
• snout