Tonsil (noun)

Either of two small oval masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of the throat, one on either side of the uvula, which help to filter bacteria from the air that is breathed in.

Origin:

Late middle english (denoting a gland): from old french tonsille, or via latin from greek tonsillē "tonsil", "little hill".

Examples:

1. My tonsils were removed when I was a child because they were constantly infected.
2. I went to the doctor because I had a tonsil infection.
3. The tonsils are part of the body's immune system.
4. Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
5. Infected tonsils can cause severe pain and difficulty swallowing.