[irreg. f. L. tonsilla TONSIL + -TOME; cf. F. tonsillitome (Littré).] A surgical instrument for excising the tonsil.

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1857.  in Dunglison, Med. Lex.

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1872.  Cohen, Dis. Throat, 128. When the organ is not very large, it may be excised by the tonsillotome.

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1897.  Allbutt’s Syst. Med., IV. 744. The hypertrophy should be reduced … by the lingual tonsillotome.

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  So Tonsillotomy, excision of the tonsils.

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1897.  Allbutt’s Syst. Med., IV. 778. No belief is too foolish and groundless to be advanced against tonsillotomy.

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1901.  Lancet, 27 April, 1211/1. Six minor operations (opening of abscesses and two double tonsillotomies).

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