adenoid
nounEtymology 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”).
1
Medicine, Sciences 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
Anatomy, Medicine, Sciences Plural normally 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.
- Synonyms
- pharyngeal tonsil
- Derived terms
- adenoidal, adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenoidectomy, adenoidism, adenoiditis, adenoid organ, nonadenoid