adj

varicose

VAR-ih-kohs

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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.”

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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more varicose
Superlative: most varicose

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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."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for varicose

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose those close moose whose

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.".