Definition of tonsil Tonsil

/tɑˌnsʌl/ - [tansul] - ton•sil

We found 7 definitions of tonsil from 6 different sources.

What does tonsil mean?

Noun Plural: tonsils
tonsil - either of two masses of lymphatic tissue one on each side of the oral pharynx
		palatine tonsil, faucial tonsil, tonsilla
		lymphatic tissue, lymphoid tissue tissue making up the lymphatic system

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tonsil (Noun)
Either of a pair of small masses of lymphoid tissue that lie on each side of the throat and that help protect the body against infection; palatine tonsil .
tonsil (Noun)
Any of various small masses of lymphoid tissues, including palatine tonsil s, adenoids and lingual tonsil s.

tonsil (n.)
One of the two glandular organs situated in the throat at the sides of the fauces. The tonsils are sometimes called the almonds, from their shape.

tonsil
ton′sil, n. one of two glands at the root of the tongue, so named from its shape.—n. Tonsilī′tis, inflammation of the tonsils.—adjs. Ton′sillar, Ton′silar, Tonsilit′ic. [L. tonsilla, a stake, a tonsil, dim. of tonsa, an oar.]

The tonsils are areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. Most commonly, the term "tonsils" refers to the palatine tonsils that can be seen in the back of the throat.

Like other organs of the lymphatic system, the tonsils act as part of the immune system to help protect against infection. In particular, they are believed to be involved in helping fight off pharyngeal and upper respiratory tract infections.