Angiectasis

/ændʒiˌɛkˈteɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

An abnormal dilation or expansion of blood vessels or lymph vessels in the body.

Etymology

From Greek 'angeion' (vessel) + 'ektasis' (stretching, dilation). Medical term combining ancient Greek roots to describe the pathological widening of vascular structures.

Kelly Says

Doctors use this term when tiny blood vessels start to bulge and stretch like an overfilled water balloon—it can happen in your nose (causing nosebleeds) or in your skin (creating red spider-like marks called spider angiomas).

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