from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Varix \Va"rix\ (v[=a]"r[i^]ks), n.; pl. {Varices}
(v[a^]r"[i^]*s[=e]z). [L.]
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1. (Med.) A uneven, permanent dilatation of a vein.
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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.
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2. (Zool.) One of the prominent ridges or ribs extending
across each of the whorls of certain univalve shells.
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Note: The varices usually indicate stages of growth, each one
showing a former position of the outer lip of the
aperture.
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