varicocele

American  

[var-i-koh-seel] / ˈvær ɪ koʊˌsil /

noun

Pathology.

1. a varicose condition of the spermatic veins of the scrotum.

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varicocele British  

/ ˈværɪkəʊˌsiːl /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal distension of the veins of the spermatic cord in the scrotum

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Etymology

Origin of varicocele

First recorded in 1730–40; varico- + -cele ¹

Example Sentences

Pav Stojkovic, who lives in L.A. and works in tech, and his wife were trying to get pregnant for six months until he discovered he had varicocele, a common condition that was impacting his sperm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

About 40% of infertile men have varicocele, although it doesn’t always impair fertility – 15% of fertile men also have varicocele.

From The Guardian • Aug. 12, 2018

A physical examination can identify varicocele, and it’s easily ruled out by an ultrasound scan.

From The Guardian • Aug. 12, 2018

The leading cause of male infertility is a complaint called varicocele, which is a knot of varicose veins in the testes.

From The Guardian • Aug. 12, 2018

In another instance a young man of ruddy complexion and apparent good health, after an operation for varicocele, had a very clear impression that he would die.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)