Definition of "adenoid" [ad•e•noid]

• One of two masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of the nose in the upper part of the throat that may obstruct normal breathing and make speech difficult when swollen. Often used in the plural. (noun)
• Of or relating to lymphatic glands or lymphoid tissue; lymphoid. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The tissue combining them is known as adenoid or gland-like tissue."
• "Peter Tork, best known for his time in The Monkees, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma, according to March 4 reports."
• "The cancer caused by this new cancer gene is called adenoid cystic carcinoma and is a slow-growing b ..."