| The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002. |
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| adenoids |
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| (AD-n-oydz, AD-noydz) Two masses of tissue at the junction of the nose and throat, which, like the tonsils, function in the lymphatic system. They help filter out harmful microorganisms that can cause infection. Continually swollen adenoids may interfere with breathing and affect speech. | 1 |
| ‡ Adenoids are sometimes surgically removed along with the tonsils if they are persistently inflamed (see inflammation). | 2 |
| ‡ Swollen adenoids give a distinctive nasal sound to the voice. | 3 |
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| | | The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, and James Trefil. Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. |
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