WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Va"rix
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L.]
Definition : 1. (Med.)

Defn: A uneven, permanent dilatation of a vein.

Note: Varices are owing to local retardation of the venous circulation, and in some cases to relaxation of the parietes of the veins. They are very common in the superficial veins of the lower limbs. Dunglison.

2. (Zo?l.)

Defn: One of the prominent ridges or ribs extending across each of the whorls of certain univalve shells.

Note: The varices usually indicate stages of growth, each one showing a former position of the outer lip of the aperture.

pl. Varices.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913