adenoids

Noun

adenoid (plural adenoids)

1. 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. (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:

   Luschka's tonsil, nasopharyngeal tonsil, pharyngeal tonsil, third tonsil, tonsilla adenoidea, tonsilla pharyngealis

See all 5 meanings of adenoid