Adenoid
//ˈad.ɪn.ɔɪd// adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 an abnormally enlarged mass of lymphatic tissue at the back of the pharynx, often obstructing the nasal and ear passages and hindering speaking and breathing in young children.
- 2 a collection of lymphatic tissue in the throat behind the uvula (on the posterior wall and roof of the nasopharynx) wordnet
- 3 Such a mass when not abnormally enlarged, covered by ciliated epithelium and located in the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx at the back of the throat behind the uvula. plural-normally
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to lymphatic glands or lymphoid tissue. not-comparable, relational
- 2 Of or pertaining to the adenoids. not-comparable, relational
- 3 Relating to, affected with, or associated with abnormally enlarged adenoids. not-comparable, relational
Adjective
- 1 relating to or resembling lymphatic glands or lymphoid tissue wordnet
Example
More examples"Tom had to have his tonsils and adenoid removed because they were enlarged and it gave him trouble sleeping."
Etymology
Late 19th century borrowing from French adénoïde, from New Latin adenoīdēs, from Ancient Greek ᾰ̓δενοειδής (ădenoeidḗs, “glandular”), from ᾰ̓δήν (ădḗn, “gland”) + -ο- (-o-) + -ειδής (-eidḗs, “-oid, -like”); equivalent to aden- + -oid. The noun is derived from ellipsis of tumeur adénoïde (“glandular tumor”).
Related phrases
More for "adenoid"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.