Adenoids

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A pair of lymphatic tissues located near the back of the nasal cavity, often involved in the immune response
2. They play a role in the body's defense against pathogens but can cause breathing issues when enlarged
3. These structures are part of the Waldeyer's ring, which includes other lymphoid tissues in the throat

Etymology: "Adenoids" is the plural of "adenoid", a word that began as a medical term in the late 19th century. It was borrowed from French "adénoïde", which drew on New Latin "adenoīdēs" and ultimately on Ancient Greek "ădenoeidḗs", meaning "glandular". That Greek form combines "ădḗn", "gland", with "-eidḗs", "-like", so the whole thing literally means "gland-like". The noun itself is a shortening. Doctors first spoke of a "tumeur adénoïde", a "glandular tumour", and over time the adjective was left to stand on its own as a name for the growths. The plural form, which is the one in everyday use, refers to the pads of lymphoid tissue high in the throat behind the nose, which are part of Waldeyer's ring.

Synonyms: lymphoid tissue, tonsils