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Anatomy
tonsil Audio
ton·sil [ ton-suhl ]
Etymology:
Latin tonsilla = tonsil
Definitions related to tonsil:
  • A secondary lymphoid tissue in the mucosa of the pharynx.
    CDISC Terminology
    Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
  • One of two small masses of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The two organs situated in the throat on either side of the narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx. They are composed of lymphoid tissues.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Tonsil, small mass of lymphatic tissue located in the wall of the pharynx at the rear of the throat of man and other mammals. In man the term is used to designate any of three sets of tonsils, most commonly the palatine tonsils. These are a pair of oval-shaped masses protruding from each side of...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

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