varix

noun

var·​ix ˈver-iks How to pronounce varix (audio)
ˈva-riks
plural varices ˈver-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce varix (audio)
ˈva-rə-
: an abnormally dilated or swollen blood or lymph vessel and especially a vein (as of the esophagus or stomach)
Sclerotherapy has become an accepted treatment for bleeding esophageal varices.—The New England Journal of Medicine
variceal
ˌver-ə-ˈsē-əl How to pronounce varix (audio)
ˌva-rə-ˈsē-əl, 
və-ˈri-sē-əl How to pronounce varix (audio)
adjective
variceal bleeding

Examples of varix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bleeding varices can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, dizziness, and loss of consciousness—and can be fatal. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024 When Vidal was 22 weeks pregnant, doctors discovered the low weight was caused by a condition called umbilical vein varix, which occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen through the umbilical cord is restricted. — Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ and People, his cause of death was an acute upper gastrointestinal bleed, caused by alcoholic liver cirrhosis, esophageal varices and severe metabolic acidosis. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin varic-, varix, probably derivative from the stem of varus "inflamed spot on the skin, pimple"; akin to Lithuanian vìras "tapeworm larva, pimple," Old High German werra "varicose vein," Old English wearr "callosity"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of varix was in the 14th century

Rhymes for varix

See All Rhymes for varix

Browse Nearby Words

varium et mutabile semper femina
varix
var lect
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Varix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varix. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

varix

noun
var·​ix ˈvar-iks How to pronounce varix (audio)
plural varices ˈvar-ə-ˌsēz How to pronounce varix (audio)
: an abnormally dilated and lengthened vein, artery, or lymph vessel
especially : varicose vein

More from Merriam-Webster on varix

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about varix

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