adenoid

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀδενοειδής (adenoeidḗs), from ἀδήν (adḗn, “gland”) and εἶδος (eîdos, “form”).

Adjective

adenoid (not comparable)

1. (anatomy) Of or relating to lymphatic glands or lymphoid tissue; lymphoid.

Noun

adenoid (plural adenoids)

1. (anatomy) One of two folds of lymphatic tissue covered by ciliated epithelium. They are found in the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx at the back of the throat behind the uvula. They may obstruct normal breathing and make speech difficult when swollen, a condition often called adenitis.