1. either of two small masses of tissue at the back of the throat that help fight infection
Usage: anatomy

Examples

• The doctor examined her swollen tonsils.
• He had his tonsils removed when he was seven years old.
• Strep throat can cause the tonsils to become red and inflamed.
• The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system.
• She gargled with salt water to soothe her irritated tonsils.
• The pediatrician recommended a tonsillectomy to remove the infected tonsils.