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

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 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

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)