varix

[vair-iks]

noun

plural

varices 

1. Also called varicosity. Pathology.,  a permanent abnormal dilation and lengthening of a vein, usually accompanied by some tortuosity; a varicose vein.

2. Zoology.,  a ridgelike mark or scar on the surface of a shell at a former position of the lip of the aperture.

varix

/ ˈvɛərɪks /

noun

1. pathol

   1. a tortuous dilated vein See varicose veins

   2. Also called: arterial varix.  varix lymphaticus. a similar condition affecting an artery or lymphatic vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of varix¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: varicose vein

Word History and Origins

Origin of varix¹

C15: from Latin

Example Sentences

He had a tumour removed from his liver and varices had formed on his stomach wall - both a direct result of the hepatitis C he had been infected with.

From BBC

She now has cirrhosis of the liver and varices - enlarged blood vessels in the oesophagus that make swallowing hard.

From BBC

I have cancer and a brain tumour and multiple sclerosis and rupturing varices.

From The Guardian

He said prisoners with esophageal varices, or enlarged veins in the throat that have begun to bleed would “move on to immediate treatment, and if they don’t have varices, they can wait”.

From The Guardian

In aneurism and varix a slowing of the blood-current is present, and the intima of the diseased region is frequently in such an abnormal condition that a clotting of the blood readily takes place.

From Project Gutenberg