varicocele

1 9.9

Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can cause pain or reduce the chance of having children

noun
/ˌværɪˈkoʊsiːl/

Specialized

: varicocele

A varicocele can cause discomfort and may affect fertility in men by compromising sperm production.

Examples

If you notice swelling in your scrotum, it could be a sign of a varicocele that requires medical attention.
Ten days have passed since the varicocele.

Fiction book (1998)
You have to check for varicocele; otherwise, the conscript will not be able to resist boot camp.

Blog text (13)
Growing more and more dubious, she noted that Ribacheck had once been operated on for a varicocele.

Fiction book (1998)
Varicocele; i.e., enlarged blood vessel.

Fiction book (1998)
During his examination, the doctor explained that a varicocele is an enlarged vein in the scrotum.

Surface Forms

varicocele singular

varicoceles plural

Morphology

varicocele = varic + cele

The term 'varicocele' is derived from medical terminology and is not transparently analyzable into recognizable English morphemes for the average learner.

Etymology

Varicocele comes from two old parts: varico- meaning 'twisted or swollen vein', as in the common phrase varicose veins, and -cele meaning 'swelling' or 'hernia'. So a varicocele is a swelling caused by enlarged, twisted veins in the scrotum.