varico-

American  

especially before a vowel, varic-.

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

   varicocele.

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varico- British  

combining form

1. indicating a varix or varicose veins

   varicotomy

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of varico-

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