'tonsillectomy' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'tonsillectomia,' where 'tonsilla' meant 'tonsil' and '-ectomy' meant 'excision' or 'removal.'

'tonsillectomia' was adopted into English as 'tonsillectomy' in the late 19th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'tonsillectomy.'

Initially, it meant 'removal of the tonsils,' and this meaning has remained the same in modern usage.