Tonsil Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A tonsil is one of two small, round pieces of tissue at the back of your throat that help protect the body from infections.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in medical or health contexts. Common phrases: 'swollen tonsils,' 'tonsil removal' ('tonsillectomy'). Typically used in the plural ('tonsils'), but 'tonsil' can refer to one. Not to be confused with 'adenoids,' which are nearby but different tissues.

• Spanish: amígdala
• Portuguese (BR): amígdala
• Portuguese (PT): amígdala
• Chinese (Simplified): 扁桃体
• Chinese (Traditional): 扁桃腺
• Hindi: टॉन्सिल
• Arabic: اللوزة
• Bengali: টনসিল
• Russian: миндалина
• Japanese: 扁桃腺
• Vietnamese: amidan
• Korean: 편도
• Turkish: bademcik
• Urdu: ٹانسل
• Indonesian: amandel

Example Sentences

The doctor looked at my tonsil.

basic

A sore tonsil can make it hard to swallow.

basic

Children sometimes need to have a tonsil removed.

basic

I had my left tonsil removed last year after many infections.

natural

If your tonsil looks red or has white spots, see a doctor soon.

natural

My tonsil feels swollen and hurts whenever I eat.

natural