What is the medical term for enlarged veins?

The term for enlarged veins is "varices." This term specifically refers to dilated veins, typically associated with conditions like chronic venous insufficiency or increased pressure in the venous system. Varices are often most recognizable in areas such as the esophagus, where they can lead to serious complications if ruptured, or in the legs, where they are commonly known as varicose veins.

Understanding the context of this term can help in the recognition and management of conditions related to vascular health. In contrast, other terms, such as thrombosis, refer to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, aneurysm describes an abnormal bulge or dilation in an artery wall, and embolism involves the obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot or other debris that has traveled through the bloodstream. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and implications for health, but they do not describe the enlargement of veins specifically like varices do.