Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

varicose vein

noun

Definition of varicose vein

medical
: a vein that is abnormally swollen or made larger or wider
  • He developed varicose veins on his legs in his old age.

Word by Word Definitions

varicose play

  1. : abnormally swollen or dilated

  2. : affected with varicose veins

See the full definition of varicose
vein play

  1. : blood vessel

  2. : any of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf

  3. : any of the thickened cuticular ribs that serve to stiffen the wings of an insect

  1. : to pattern with or as if with veins

See the full definition of vein

Medical Dictionary

varicose vein

noun

medical Definition of varicose vein

: an abnormal swelling and tortuosity especially of a superficial vein of the legs —usually used in plural

Illustration of varicose vein

illustration of varicose vein

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up varicose vein? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

nonchalant

play

having an air of easy unconcern

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  2. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  3. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  4. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

  5. emolument 'the returns arising from office or employment usually in the form of compensation or perquisites'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

varicose vein

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games