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1. A normal collection of unencapsulated lymphoid tissue in the nasopharynx. Also called pharyngeal tonsils. 2. Common terminology for the large (normal) pharyngeal tonsils of children. [G. aden, gland, + -eidos, resemblance]
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n.
the collection of lymphatic tissue at the rear of the nose. Enlargement of the adenoids can cause obstruction to breathing through the nose and can block the Eustachian tubes, causing glue ear.
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ad·e·noids (adґə-noidz) popular name for the pharyngeal tonsils; used particularly when they are hypertrophied, which occurs primarily in preadolescents and adolescents. See also adenoidism.Medical dictionary. 2011.