'adenoids' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'adenoeides,' where 'aden' meant 'gland' and '-oeides' meant 'resembling.'

'adenoeides' transformed into the French word 'adénoïde,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adenoids' through medical terminology.

Initially, it meant 'gland-like,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lymphatic tissue in the nasal cavity.'