What does varicose mean?
Varicose describes a vein that has become enlarged, twisted, and irregular rather than smooth and evenly shaped. Such veins most often occur in the legs, where weakened one-way valves can allow blood to accumulate and raise pressure inside superficial veins. Although many varicose veins cause only visible or cosmetic changes, others can ache, itch, swell, or become painful. The word is normally used as an adjective, especially when naming the affected veins, but it can also function as a noun for an individual varicose vein. It is a formal, clinical term common in British and American English, though people may use it informally when describing prominent or bulging veins. Varicose is also familiar from medical treatment and surgical contexts. Knowing that the condition commonly results from impaired valve function is useful because it explains both the visible twisting and the symptoms associated with prolonged standing, pregnancy, or other pressure on the lower legs.
Denoting a vein that is abnormally enlarged, twisted, and often irregular in shape, especially as a result of impaired venous circulation.
"The clinician recommended compression stockings for her varicose veins."
This is the word's standard and most frequent grammatical use.
A vein that has become enlarged and twisted, particularly in the leg.
"The scan confirmed that the swelling was a varicose."
This noun use is more specialized than the adjective use and is often encountered in medical writing.
When used as a noun, the ordinary plural is varicose veins; varicoses also occurs, especially in medical literature.
"Varicose veins can become uncomfortable after a long day of standing."
When a one-way valve in a vein fails, blood pools instead of flowing onward—and the pressure can turn a straight vein into a winding one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does varicose come from?
Varicose entered English in the early 17th century from Latin varicosus, meaning “full of swellings or dilated veins.” Its source was Latin varix, meaning a swelling or dilated vein, which was related to varus, “crooked” or “bent.” English varix preserves the Latin root, while modern words such as varicocele also derive from it.
Related word forms
How varicose is actually used
Varicose is chiefly clinical and is used in both standard British and American English. As a noun, it is encountered mainly in medical contexts; general audiences more often use the full expression naming the affected veins. The attributive form is generally more natural in everyday use.
Easily confused with varicose
Varicella is the viral infection commonly called chickenpox, whereas varicose refers to an enlarged, twisted vein.