I. ˈad ə nˌȯid, ˈadˌnȯid adjective
or ad·e·noi·dal |ad ə n|ȯid ə l
Etymology: Greek adenoeidēs glandular, from aden- + -eidēs -oid, -oidal
1. : of, like, or relating to glands or glandular tissue ; especially : like or belonging to lymphoid tissue
2. : of or relating to the adenoids
in the adenoid region of the pharynx
3.
a. : of, relating to, or affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids
a severe adenoid condition
an adenoid patient
b. usually adenoidal : typical or suggestive of one affected with abnormally enlarged adenoids: as
(1) : characterized by mouth breathing : gaping
we can't park here in the driveway like a couple of adenoidal tourists — Ellery Queen
(2) : nasal, monotonous, or constricted in tone quality : breathy — used especially of a singing voice
an adenoidal tenor
(3) : lacking vivacity especially in facial expression : dull , apathetic
the mumbling of some adenoidal moron — Ben Hecht
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an abnormally enlarged mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the pharynx characteristically obstructing the nasal and ear passages and inducing mouth breathing, nasality, postnasal discharge, and dullness of facial expression — usually used in plural; see pharyngeal tonsil
2. : pharyngeal tonsil