tonsil

noun/ˈtɑnsəl/

Frequency rank: #19,433 most common English word

Meaning

one of two small oval masses of tissue at the back of the throat that help fight infection.

Illustration for the English word “tonsil”

Example sentence

The doctor looked at her throat and said that her tonsil on the left side was swollen.

Synonyms & related words

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