\Va"rix\, n.; pl. {Varices}. [L.]
1. (Med.) A uneven, permanent dilatation of a vein.

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.



2. (Zo["o]l.) One of the prominent ridges or ribs extending
   across each of the whorls of certain univalve shells.

Note: The varices usually indicate stages of growth, each one
      showing a former position of the outer lip of the
      aperture.