'tonsil' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tonsillae', where 'tonsilla' meant 'almond-shaped mass'.

'tonsillae' transformed into the Old French word 'tonsille', and eventually became the modern English word 'tonsil'.

Initially, it meant 'almond-shaped mass', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lymphoid tissue in the throat'.