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

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

From The Guardian • Aug. 12, 2018

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

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

The 27-year-old from Essex had suffered from pain in the scrotum for five years, and two years ago was diagnosed with varicocele, an abnormal enlargement of the veins which affects blood flow to the testicles.

From The Guardian • Mar. 19, 2016

If the varicocele is quite large, the subject will do well to consult a competent surgeon and to take his advice.

From The Biology, Physiology and Sociology of Reproduction Also Sexual Hygiene with Special Reference to the Male by Hall, Winfield Scott