adenoid

/ˈædəˌnɔɪd/
noun
  1. A mass of tissue at the back of the nose and throat that can become swollen, especially in children, and may cause breathing or ear problems.
    • Many children have their adenoid taken out to help them breathe better at night.
    • The doctor said my son's adenoid is enlarged and might need to be removed.
    • When the adenoid swells, it can block the passage between the nose and throat.
adjective
  1. Relating to the adenoid tissue.
    • The patient had chronic adenoid problems since early childhood.
    • The surgeon performed an adenoid examination to check for infection.
    • Adenoid swelling often causes a stuffy nose and snoring.
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