varicocele

noun

var·​i·​co·​cele ˈver-ə-kō-ˌsēl How to pronounce varicocele (audio)
ˈva-rə-
: a varicose enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord

Examples of varicocele in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Such impairments could be trauma to the testes, varicoceles, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland disorders. Casey Seiden, Parents, 19 May 2024 Surgery reduces heat effects on the testis caused by the varicocele. Karen Pallarito, Health, 12 May 2023 The cause could also be a varicocele, an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, which can sometimes be corrected with a relatively simple surgery called a varicocelectomy. Chloe Melas, CNN, 13 July 2021 Meanwhile, Laz, 32, has high levels of anti-sperm antibodies and bilateral varicocele. Rebecca Speare-Cole, Health.com, 20 May 2021 Most of the time, varicoceles (which are common) don’t lead to fertility issues, but they’re estimated to occur in 35 percent of men tested for infertility. Hallie Levine, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2020 Some causes of infertility in men include: Varicocele A varicocele is swelling of one or several of the veins that drain the testicle. Jennifer Gerson, Marie Claire, 1 Oct. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'varicocele.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin varicocēlē, from Latin varic-, varix "varicose vein, varix" + New Latin -o- -o- + -cēlē -cele

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of varicocele was in 1736

Dictionary Entries Near varicocele

Cite this Entry

“Varicocele.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varicocele. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

varicocele

noun
var·​i·​co·​cele ˈvar-i-kō-ˌsēl How to pronounce varicocele (audio)
: a varicose enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord producing a soft compressible tumor mass in the scrotum

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