Definition

Relating to the adenoids, which are small glands located in the throat. It can also describe a voice that sounds nasal or affected, often due to enlarged adenoids.

Example

The child spoke in an adenoidal tone due to his enlarged adenoids.

Conversation

Have you noticed how adenoidal some people's voices sound when they have a cold?

Yeah, it's like their nose is blocked or something.

Right? I remember my friend had an adenoidal voice when he was sick last winter.

It can be really hard to understand them sometimes!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adenoidal → It is formed from "aden" (from Greek "aden", meaning gland) and "-oid" (meaning resembling or like). The word "adenoidal" refers to something that resembles or is related to glands, particularly the adenoids in the throat.

Memory Tip

Think of 'aden' meaning gland, and remember that 'adenoidal' describes something that is like or related to glands.

Visually Confused Words