varicose

adjective

var·​i·​cose ˈver-ə-ˌkōs How to pronounce varicose (audio)
ˈva-rə-
variants or less commonly varicosed
ˈver-ə-ˌkōst How to pronounce varicose (audio)
ˈva-rə-
1
: abnormally swollen or dilated
varicose veins
2
: affected with varicose veins
varicose legs

Examples of varicose in a Sentence

varicose blood vessels
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Meet Emma: She's got dead eyes, varicose veins, and a real Hunchback of Notre Dame thing going on. Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 1 Nov. 2019 But back to the case study: It should be noted that bleeding from varicose veins is not overly common, Dr. Haurani says. Health.com, 4 Sep. 2019

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of varicose was circa 1730

Dictionary Entries Near varicose

Cite this Entry

“Varicose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varicose. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

varicose

adjective
var·​i·​cose ˈvar-ə-ˌkōs How to pronounce varicose (audio)
: abnormally swollen or made larger or wider
varicose veins

Medical Definition

varicose

adjective
var·​i·​cose ˈvar-ə-ˌkōs How to pronounce varicose (audio)
variants also varicosed
1
: abnormally swollen or dilated
varicose lymph vessels
2
: affected with varicose veins
a patient with varicose legs

More from Merriam-Webster on varicose

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