adj

varicose

VAR-ih-kohs

adj

Describing veins that are abnormally swollen, twisted, and enlarged, usually in the legs.

"Standing for long shifts at work made her varicose veins worse."

How to Use Varicose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishVaricose almost always describes veins that have become swollen and knotted, usually visible under the skin of the legs.

Common pairings

varicose veins

more varicose comparative, most varicose superlative

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Standing for long shifts at work made her _____ veins worse.

From Latin varix, meaning a swollen or twisted vein, ultimately tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root connected to words for "top" or "ridge."

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