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-
Synonyms of varicosenext
1
: abnormally swollen or dilated
varicose veins
2
: affected with varicose veins
varicose legs

Synonyms

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Examples of varicose in a Sentence

varicose blood vessels
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.
Stay active: Regular exercise helps promote the health of your blood vessels and keeps risk factors at bay, preventing varicose or spider veins. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 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

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

Phrases Containing varicose

Rhymes for varicose

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Browse Nearby Words

varicose
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Cite this Entry

“Varicose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varicose. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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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
-ˌkōst How to pronounce varicose (audio)
1
: abnormally swollen or dilated
varicose lymph vessels
2
: affected with varicose veins
a patient with varicose legs

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Nglish: Translation of varicose for Spanish Speakers

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