tonsils

Scientific  

/ tŏn′səlz /

1. The two oval-shaped masses of tissue at the back of the throat that lie between the mouth and the pharynx. The tonsils are thought to prevent infections of the breathing passages but often become infected themselves.

---

tonsils Cultural  

1. Two masses of tissue on either side of the throat. The tonsils, part of the lymphatic system, help defend the body against harmful microorganisms.

---

Discover More

Formerly, tonsils were often removed surgically in childhood, but now they are not, unless the tonsils have grown too large or are continually subject to infection.

Example Sentences

Sometimes it’s a decision that is complicated and scary, like surgery for those big tonsils or scoliotic spine.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

Doctors this year removed a small tumor in one of his tonsils.

From Washington Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Fish could use something akin to tonsils, says comparative immunologist Larry Dishaw of the University of South Florida, who wasn’t connected to either new study.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 31, 2023

The research by scientists Dr Anu Goenka, Dr Alice Halliday and Dr Darryl Hill will involve growing cells from tonsils of patients who have had them removed during surgery.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 2023

Thank God I’ve already had my tonsils out.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera