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  

/ ˌtɒnsɪˈlɪtɪk, 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

Etymology

Origin of tonsillitis

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

Compare meaning

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

• pharyngitis vs. tonsillitis

Example Sentences

By the time Emma's son was 15, he was becoming breathless, contracted tonsillitis, and, at one point, was in so much pain, Emma called an ambulance.

From BBC

"Today's probably the worst I have felt," said Draper, who was diagnosed with tonsillitis on Friday.

From BBC

The parents of a five-year-old girl who was sent home from hospital with suspected tonsillitis hours before dying from meningitis have said they are still waiting for a direct apology from the hospital.

From BBC

Ms Harrison said although Leah had recently been poorly with tonsillitis she was looking forward to the trip to the adventure centre.

From BBC

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

From BBC