Vā'rīx, n. pl.

n. pl. VĀR'I-CĒS. [Lat., from varus, bent, stretched; Fr. & It. varice, Sp. varice, variz, Pr. varica.] (Med.) An uneven and permanent dilatation of a vein.

Varices are owing to local retardation of the venous circulation, and in some cases to relaxation of the parietes (the inclosing parts) of the veins. They are very common in the superficial veins of the lower limbs.

Dunglison.