tonsillitis

American  

[ton-suh-lahy-tis] / ˌtɒn səˈlaɪ tɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. inflammation of a tonsil or the tonsils.

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tonsillitis British  

/ ˌtɒnsɪˈlaɪtɪs /

noun

1. inflammation of the palatine tonsils, causing enlargement, occasionally to the extent that they nearly touch one another

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tonsillitis Scientific  

/ tŏn′sə-lī′tĭs /

1. Inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by bacterial infection.

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tonsillitis Cultural  

1. An inflammation of the tonsils, sometimes the result of a bacterial infection.

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Other Word Forms

• tonsillitic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of tonsillitis

First recorded in 1795–1805; from Latin tōnsill(ae) “tonsils” + -itis

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Compare meaning

How does tonsillitis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pharyngitis vs. tonsillitis

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tonsillitis

The 20-year-old was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics, however his condition deteriorated and he became immobile with severe leg pain.

From BBC ● Jan. 23, 2026

I tried to go into work with tonsillitis here and they sent me home.

From BBC ● Dec. 27, 2025

In just 12 weeks, Elijah had developed tonsillitis, croup, respiratory syncytial virus, pneumonia, and an ear infection.

From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2024

As a child, he suffered from recurring tonsillitis, but as an adult, he enjoyed vigorous sports like hiking, polo and skiing.

From New York Times ● Feb. 5, 2024

The antibiotics that the doctor prescribed for me healed the terrible case of tonsillitis I had arrived with.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince

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