varicose

[ var-i-kohs ]

adjective

1. abnormally or unusually enlarged or swollen:

   a varicose vein.

2. relating to or affected with varices, which often affect the superficial portions of the lower limbs.

varicose

/ ˈværɪˌkəʊs /

adjective

1. of or resulting from varicose veins

   a varicose ulcer

Word History and Origins

Origin of varicose¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Latin varicōsus “having varicose veins”; varix, -ose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of varicose¹

C18: from Latin varicōsus, from varix

Example Sentences

And the more Sue disrespects the week on/week off balance, the more Elisabeth will suffer varicose veins, thinning, graying hair, sagging breasts, and other indignities of aging.

From Salon

Foam mixed with medications is already used to treat conditions such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, wounds on the skin and even hair loss.

From Science Daily

Wooden removing his own shoes and socks for a demonstration, revealing varicose veins from lower leg to foot along with hammertoes, killed the remainder of the excitement.

From Los Angeles Times

Herbalists recommend calendula lotions, creams, and ointments for chapped skin, eczema, minor cuts and burns, diaper rash, insect bites, hemorrhoids, athlete’s foot, and varicose veins.

From National Geographic

A few years before, Ms. Leary had sought a procedure to shrink away the “ugly-looking” varicose veins in her legs; now, she lacked viable blood vessels for grafting.

From New York Times