tonsil
Translation
tonsil
Examples
The doctor checked my tonsils.
The doctor checked my tonsils.
He had his tonsils out last year.
He had his tonsils out last year.
Grammar Patterns
((possessive pronoun + tonsils)) referring to the glands in one's throat. My tonsils are swollen.
((to have one's tonsils out)) to have a tonsillectomy. She had her tonsils out as a child.
Similar Words
Synonyms: adenoid, gland
Etymology
From Latin 'tonsilla', a diminutive of 'toles', meaning 'a swelling'.
Memory Tips
They are the two masses of tissue at the back of the throat. When they get infected, it's called 'tonsillitis'.