adenoids

UK: /ˈædɪnɔɪdz/

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

adenoids / ˈædɪˌnɔɪdz/ noun:plural

1. a mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat behind the uvula: when enlarged it often restricts nasal breathing, esp in young children

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ad•e•noid /ˈædəˌnɔɪd/   n. [countable]

1. Anatomy Usually, adenoids. [plural] growths of soft tissue in the nasal passage above the throat.

ad•e•noi•dal, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ad•e•noid  (ad′n oid′), n. 

1. Anatomy Usually, adenoids. an enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue in the upper pharynx, often obstructing breathing through the nasal passages. See diag. under tonsil. 

adj. 

2. Anatomy of or pertaining to the lymph glands.
3. of or pertaining to the adenoids.

• Greek adenoeidé̄s. See aden-, -oid
• 1830–40