tonsil
[ton-suh l]
- a prominent oval mass of lymphoid tissue on each side of the throat.
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Origin of tonsil
First recorded in 1595–1605, tonsil is from the Latin word tōnsillae (plural) the tonsils
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for tonsillar
Historical Examples
This form of tonsillitis is very frequent, and is often confounded with parenchymatous tonsillitis or with tonsillar abscess.
These groups were selected from one large group, on the basis of presence or absence of tonsillar defect.
Adenoids and Diseased TonsilsMargaret Cobb Rogers
tonsil
- Also called: palatine tonsil either of two small masses of lymphatic tissue situated one on each side of the back of the mouthRelated adjective: amygdaline
- anatomy any small rounded mass of tissue, esp lymphatic tissue
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin tōnsillae (pl) tonsils, of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for tonsillar
tonsil
n.
c.1600, from Latin tonsillae (plural) "tonsils," diminutive of toles "goiter," which is perhaps of Gaulish origin.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
tonsillar
(tŏn′sə-lər)- Of or relating to a tonsil, especially the palatine tonsil.
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tonsil
(tŏn′səl)- A collection of lymphoid tissue.
- A small oral mass of lymphoid tissue, especially either of two such masses embedded in the lateral walls of the opening between the mouth and the pharynx, of uncertain function, but believed to help protect the body from respiratory infections.faucial tonsil palatine tonsil
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.