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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hydroceles and varicoceles are common urological conditions that are generally not serious. — Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 While varicoceles affect 15% of males overall, roughly 1 in 3 males with infertility has varicoceles. — Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

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

Rhymes for varicocele

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Browse Nearby Words

varicellate
varicocele
varicoid
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Cite this Entry

“Varicocele.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varicocele. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on varicocele

Nglish: Translation of varicocele for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about varicocele

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