noun

adenoid

AD-in-oyd

Quiz me More like this

Adenoid (noun) means a cluster of glandular (lymphoid) tissue behind the nose, at the top of the throat, that can enlarge and obstruct breathing in children. Example: “The child's adenoids were removed after repeated ear infections.”

noun

medical A cluster of glandular (lymphoid) tissue behind the nose, at the top of the throat, that can enlarge and obstruct breathing in children.

"The child's adenoids were removed after repeated ear infections."

"Swollen adenoids can make it hard for a toddler to breathe through the nose."

"The doctor examined her adenoids with a small mirror."

adjective

medical Relating to the adenoids, or to glandular tissue generally.

"The surgeon noted adenoid swelling on the scan."

"Persistent adenoid problems can affect a child's breathing and sleep."

How to use adenoid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe small lump of tissue at the back of a child's throat, or something relating to it.

When to use it

It is a medical term, mostly heard from doctors or in health contexts, and is usually used in the plural.

Memory tip

In everyday speech, adenoids is almost always used in the plural, like tonsils, even though it refers to a single mass of tissue.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

tonsils →

Common pairings

swollen adenoids enlarged adenoids remove the adenoids adenoid tissue

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like adenoid.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “adenoid” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The child's _____ were removed after repeated ear infections.

Etymology

Adenoid entered English in the late nineteenth century from French adenoide, which came from New Latin adenoides and ultimately from Ancient Greek, where it meant 'gland-like'. It combines the Greek word for gland with an ending meaning 'resembling' or 'shaped like'.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

pharyngeal tonsil adenoidal

Related words

nasal pinched

Rhymes for adenoid

void geoid avoid hyoid droid devoid android tabloid steroid typhoid thyroid alkaloid

See all rhymes for adenoid →

Frequently asked questions

What are adenoids?

Adenoids are a cluster of glandular tissue behind the nose, at the top of the throat, that helps the body fight infection.

Why are adenoids sometimes removed?

They are sometimes removed in children when they become abnormally enlarged and block the nose or ears.

Where does the word adenoid come from?

It comes from Ancient Greek by way of French and New Latin, and it literally means 'gland-like'.

What is the meaning of adenoid?

"adenoid" (noun) means a cluster of glandular (lymphoid) tissue behind the nose, at the top of the throat, that can enlarge and obstruct breathing in children.

People also searched

nasal pinched