c. 1600, from Latin tonsillae, tosillae (plural) "tonsils," diminutive of toles "goiter," which is perhaps of Gaulish origin. Related: Tonsils.
Entries linking to tonsil
tonsillectomy n.
1899, from combining form of tonsil + -ectomy "a cutting, surgical removal." A hybrid with a Latin front end and a Greek ending. A correct formation all from Greek would be amygdalectomy.
tonsillitis n.
also tonsilitis, "inflammation of the tonsils," 1801, from combining form of tonsil + -itis "inflammation."
tonsillolith n.
1894, from tonsillo-, combining form of tonsil + -lith "stone."