tonsil

Everyday

One of two small soft lumps at the back of your throat, one on each side, which help fight germs. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science lessons, tonsils are part of the immune system. When they get infected and swollen (tonsillitis), your throat hurts; some children have them taken out in an operation (a tonsillectomy). Phrases: «swollen tonsils», «have your tonsils out», «tonsillitis».

Examples

• The doctor shone a light to look at my tonsils. tree →
• My tonsils are swollen and my throat hurts. tree →
• My cousin had her tonsils out and ate lots of ice cream afterwards. tree →
• Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. tree →
• You have two tonsils at the back of your throat. tree →
• Say «aah» so I can see your tonsils. tree →

Note

Usually plural «tonsils» (there are two). Related: tonsillitis (double l). Myth: the dangly thing in the middle of your throat is the uvula, not a tonsil.