Vein that is twisted--tortuous--and distended with blood The term varix is also used for similar abnormalities in arteries and in lymphatic vessels Varicose veins occur in a number of areas, including the legs; the esophagus, or gullet; the spermatic veins, which return blood from the testes
The veins in the leg may become weakened and enlarged, particularly after blood clots have formed in them Such thin-walled, enlarged veins are called "varicose" and cannot be used for coronary bypass grafts