What does varix mean?
A varix is an abnormal, widened, and often twisted vein. In medicine, the term is used for varices of the esophagus or stomach, as well as for varicose veins elsewhere; “gastric varix” and “esophageal varix” are standard collocations. The word is chiefly technical rather than everyday. A less common, largely historical sense denotes an elongated variety of pear. In medical writing, its plural is usually varices, although varixes is also used, so the word may change visibly when it moves from one item to several. Its history suits its modern meaning: Latin varix meant “crooked,” an apt description of a vessel that has become dilated and tortuous. The term is especially useful when describing the abnormal anatomy of a particular vein, while the more familiar word “varicose” can describe both an individual vein and the broader condition.
nounA varix is an abnormally dilated, often tortuous vein, especially one in the esophagus or stomach. In rare historical botanical usage, a varix is an elongated variety of pear.
- An abnormally dilated and often tortuous vein, especially in the esophagus or stomach.
- An elongated variety of pear, in rare historical botanical usage.
"An endoscopy revealed a small gastric varix that required monitoring."
"The scan showed a gastric varix near the lower esophagus."
"The old horticultural manual describes the varix as an unusually elongated pear."
Varices is the conventional Latinized plural in medical writing, while varixes is also used. The plural varixes is usual for the historical botanical sense.
"Endoscopy showed several gastric varices."
One varix may be a varix, but several are often called varices—a Latinized plural that can unsettle even careful spellers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does varix come from?
Varix comes from Latin varix, meaning “crooked” or “bent,” and is related to Latin varus, “crooked.” The English medical term was borrowed in the 16th century for a swollen or tortuous vein. The same Latin source also underlies forms such as varice and varicose.
How varix is actually used
Chiefly formal and technical medical terminology. Outside medicine, the word survives mainly in historical botanical descriptions.
Easily confused with varix
A varix is an individual dilated or tortuous vein, whereas varicose is primarily an adjective describing such veins or the condition affecting them.