Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Tonsillectomy /tänˌ-sĭl-ĕk'-təm-ēˌ/ · Ton·sil·lec·to·my · IPA /tˌɑnsɪlˈɛktəmˌiː/ 01 n. The operation of removing the tonsils; -- formerly also called tonsilotomy. 1. The operation of removing the tonsils; -- formerly also called tonsilotomy.(Surg.) Also: tonsilotomy