varico-

1. a combining form meaning “varix,” “varicose vein,” used in the formation of compound words:

   varicocele.

varico-

combining_form

1. indicating a varix or varicose veins

   varicotomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of varico-¹

< Latin varic- (stem of varix ) + -o-. See varix

Word History and Origins

Origin of varico-¹

from Latin varix, varic- distended vein

Words That Use varico-

What does varico- mean?

Varico– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “varix” or “varicose vein.” Varix, also called varicosity, is “a permanent abnormal dilation and lengthening of a vein.” These swollen veins are known as varicose veins. Varicose means “abnormally or unusually enlarged or swollen.” The form varico– is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in pathology.

Varico– ultimately comes from Latin varix, meaning “varix” or “varicose vein.” A close Greek translation of varix is phléps, simply meaning “vein,” which is the source of the combining form phlebo–. Learn more by reading our Words That Use article on phlebo-.

What are variants of varico-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, varico– becomes varic-, as in varicoid.

Examples of varico-

One example of a medical term that features the form varico– is varicotomy, “surgical removal of a varicose vein.”

The varico– part of the word means “varix” or “varicose vein,” as we know. The –tomy part of the word means “cutting, incision,” from the Greek –tomia. Varicotomy literally translates to “varix incision.”

What are some words that use the combining form varico– or varic-?

• varicoblepharon
• varicocele
• varicography
• varicomphalus
• varicophlebitis
• varicosis (using the equivalent form of varico– in Latin)

What are some other forms that varico– may be commonly confused with?

• vario-
• vari-
• viro-

Not every word that begins with the exact letters varico– or varic-, such as varicolored, is necessarily using the combining form varico– to denote “varicose vein.” Learn why varicolored means “motley” at our entry for the word.

Break it down!

The suffix –osis is used to denote disorders or abnormal states. With this in mind, what is the medical condition varicosis?