HealthSeptember 6, 2026

tonsillectomy

ton-suh-LEK-tuh-mee

Definition

A surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, sometimes recommended to enlarge the upper airway in cases of sleep apnea.

Etymology

The word is formed from the Latin 'tonsillae' (tonsils) and the Greek suffix '-ektome' (excision or cutting out). It entered English in the late 19th century as a medical term for this specific surgical procedure.

In the news

The article lists tonsillectomy as a potential surgical approach for patients with sleep apnea, specifically when anatomical obstructions like enlarged tonsils contribute to the disorder.

Sleeping 8-10 hours but still feeling sleepy? Doctor explains 5 signs that could mean sleep apnea

Read the full article ↗

News9live

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