varix

noun

var·​ix ˈver-iks 

ˈva-riks

plural varices ˈver-ə-ˌsēz 

ˈva-rə-

: an abnormally dilated or swollen blood or lymph vessel and especially a vein (as of the esophagus or stomach)

Sclerotherapy has become an accepted treatment for bleeding esophageal varices.

—The New England Journal of Medicine

variceal

ˌver-ə-ˈsē-əl 

ˌva-rə-ˈsē-əl

və-ˈri-sē-əl 

adjective

variceal bleeding

Examples of varix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Often caused by cirrhosis, esophageal varices develop when the liver can’t handle as much blood as normal because of scarring. —Shari Rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin varic-, varix, probably derivative from the stem of varus "inflamed spot on the skin, pimple"; akin to Lithuanian vìras "tapeworm larva, pimple," Old High German werra "varicose vein," Old English wearr "callosity"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

varix

noun

var·​ix ˈvar-iks 

plural varices ˈvar-ə-ˌsēz 

: an abnormally dilated and lengthened vein, artery, or lymph vessel

especially : varicose vein