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

Adenoids are an overgrowth of the glandular tissue above the soft palate and back of the nasal passages.

From Time Magazine Archive

Adenoids, flat feet, thyroid deficiencies and a score more reasons have been presented to explain bedwetting.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Adenoids are meant to be heard, not seen."

From Time Magazine Archive

Adenoids not only obstruct the respiratory passage way to the throat and lungs, but they also exert a harmful influence on the general physical and mental development of the child.

From The Mother and Her Child by Sadler, William S.

Adenoids, which are growths far back in the mouth, often interfere with nose breathing and are serious in other ways.

From Boy Scouts Handbook The First Edition, 1911 by Boy Scouts of America

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