adjective
varicose
VAIR-uh-kohs/ˈvɛrəˌkoʊs/
Abnormally swollen and twisted, especially of veins.
The raised, winding veins are varicose.
Etymology
Varix named a dilated vein, and the adjective meant 'with dilated veins.' The modern medical use keeps that specific reference to swollen blood vessels.
In context
varicose veins which are swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs and feet they may be blue or dark purple in color and they're often lumpy bulging or Twisted in appearance
More examples
- The diagram showed a swollen, varicose vessel.
- The report described the extent of the varicose changes.
- The study followed patients with varicose veins.
Forms
varicose
Similar words
- swollen
- Swollen is general enlargement; varicose specifically describes abnormally dilated, twisted veins.