[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/tonsil/)

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# tonsil

noun (a tonsil, tonsils)

«tonsil» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

One of two small soft lumps at the back of your throat, one on each side, which help fight germs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#m1)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#x1)
- My tonsils are swollen and my throat hurts. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#x2)
- My cousin had her tonsils out and ate lots of ice cream afterwards. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#x3)
- Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#x4)
- You have two tonsils at the back of your throat. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#x5)
- Say «aah» so I can see your tonsils. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/#x6)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «tonsil» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/tonsil/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«tonsil» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/tonsil.html) on Mova free.