Varicose

var′i-kōs, adj. permanently dilated or enlarged, as a vein, the actual dilatation being called a varix—most often in the sub-mucous veins of the rectum (constituting hæmorrhoids or piles ), in the spermatic veins (giving rise to varicocele ), and in the veins of the lower extremities—also Var′icous .— adjs. Var′icāted , marked by varicose formations (said of shells); Var′icosed .— n. Varicos′ity , state of being varicose.— Varicose veins , a condition in which the superficial veins, usually of the leg, are swollen for no apparent physiological reason. [L. varicosus , full of dilated veins— varix , a dilated vein— varus , bent, crooked.]