varicose
Varicose (adj) means describing veins that are abnormally swollen, twisted, and enlarged, usually in the legs. Example: “Standing for long shifts at work made her varicose veins worse.”
How to use varicose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVaricose almost always describes veins that have become swollen and knotted, usually visible under the skin of the legs.
Word forms
more varicose comparative, most varicose superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Standing for long shifts at work made her _____ veins worse.
Etymology
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."
Rhymes for varicose
See all rhymes for varicose →Frequently asked questions
What does “varicose” mean?
The word “varicose” means describing veins that are abnormally swollen, twisted, and enlarged, usually in the legs. In plain terms, varicose almost always describes veins that have become swollen and knotted, usually visible under the skin of the legs.
How do you pronounce “varicose”?
“Varicose” is pronounced VAR-ih-kohs (/ˈvɛɹ.ə.koʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “varicose” in a sentence?
Here is “varicose” used in a sentence: “Standing for long shifts at work made her varicose veins worse.”
What part of speech is “varicose”?
“Varicose” is an adjective.
Where does the word “varicose” come from?
The word “varicose” comes from Latin. 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.".