varix

[ vair-iks ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural var·i·ces [vair, -, uh, -seez].

Also called varicosity. Pathology. a permanent abnormal dilation and lengthening of a vein, usually accompanied by some tortuosity; a varicose vein.
Zoology. a ridgelike mark or scar on the surface of a shell at a former position of the lip of the aperture.

varix

/ ˈvɛərɪks /

pathol
1. a tortuous dilated vein See varicose veins
2. Also calledarterial varixvarix lymphaticus a similar condition affecting an artery or lymphatic vessel

Origin of varix¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: varicose vein

Origin of varix¹

C15: from Latin

It is a common experience in women that the signs of varix date from an antecedent pregnancy.

This is to be looked upon rather as a compensatory hypertrophy of the superficial vessels than as a true varix.

The larger the varix the greater is the tendency for a thrombus to spread upwards and to involve the deep veins.

Aneurysmal varix may occur in the neck as a result of stabs or bullet wounds.

Varix at the lower end of the œsophagus may give rise to hæmatemesis, and be mistaken for gastric ulcer.

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