varicose

adjective

var·​i·​cose ˈver-ə-ˌkōs 

ˈva-rə-

variants or less commonly varicosed

ˈver-ə-ˌkōst 

ˈva-rə-

1

: abnormally swollen or dilated

varicose veins

2

: affected with varicose veins

varicose legs

Synonyms

• bloated
• blown
• distended
• overinflated
• puffed
• swollen
• tumescent
• tumid
• turgid

Examples of varicose in a Sentence

varicose blood vessels

Recent Examples on the Web

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat puts pressure on your blood vessels, raising the risk of varicose and spider veins. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

After all, they’re often marketed as a solution for swelling, soreness, and poor circulation—as well as a preventative measure for blood clots and visible varicose and spider veins. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 6 Nov. 2024

Apple cider vinegar could be an acceptable complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve the quality of life for patients with varicose veins.3 Antifungal Properties Scientific research supporting claims that apple cider vinegar contains antifungal properties remains lacking. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 24 May 2024

Physicians can prescribe specific levels of compression to treat certain conditions such as varicose veins, spider veins or poor circulation. —Grace Wu, Good Housekeeping, 10 Oct. 2022

Her pregnancies also gave her a varicose vein that runs down her right knee and a smaller one on her left side. —Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2022

Studies have shown that sulphurous mineral water can have promising therapeutic benefits, particularly in people with circulation difficulties ranging from varicose veins to stroke. —Doctor Fix-It, The Denver Post, 14 July 2020

According to the Allure Medical website, the location offers varicose vein treatment, hormone replacement therapy, dermatology, stem cell therapy, cosmetics and weight loss services. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2020

Standing for extended periods of time also increases the risks of varicose veins. —Alan Hedge, Time, 15 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin varicōsus "suffering from dilated veins," from varic-, varix "dilated vein, varix" + -ōsus -ose entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing varicose

• varicose vein

Kids Definition

varicose

adjective

var·​i·​cose ˈvar-ə-ˌkōs 

: abnormally swollen or made larger or wider

varicose veins

Medical Definition

varicose

adjective

var·​i·​cose ˈvar-ə-ˌkōs 

variants also varicosed

-ˌkōst 

1

: abnormally swollen or dilated

varicose lymph vessels

2

: affected with varicose veins

a patient with varicose legs