hemorrhoids

A patient discusses treatment options for hemorrhoids with a doctor.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Medical condition: "Hemorrhoids" refer to swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort, bleeding, or itching.
   • Common term: Often used informally to describe the condition itself, rather than individual swellings.

Usage Examples

• (He had a medical problem with swollen anal veins.)
• (Prolonged sitting can aggravate the inflamed veins.)
• (Many pregnant women experience this issue.)

Advanced Usage

• "Internal hemorrhoids": hemorrhoids located inside the rectum.
  • Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless but may bleed during bowel movements. (These are inside the anal canal.)
• "External hemorrhoids": hemorrhoids under the skin around the anus.
  • External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful, especially when thrombosed. (These are outside the anus.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hemorrhoid (noun, singular): a single swollen vein in the anal area.
  • One hemorrhoid was particularly painful. (A single inflamed vein.)
• Hemorrhoidal (adj): relating to or affecting hemorrhoids.
  • He used a hemorrhoidal cream to reduce swelling. (A cream for treating hemorrhoids.)

Synonyms

• Piles: a common informal term for hemorrhoids.
  • She has been suffering from piles for years. (A synonym for hemorrhoids.)
• Varicose veins of the anus: a descriptive medical term.
  • The condition is essentially varicose veins of the anus. (Another medical description.)

Related Idioms

• "A pain in the neck": (not directly related, but used for any annoyance; hemorrhoids are literally a pain in the anus).
  • Dealing with hemorrhoids is a real pain in the neck. (A figurative expression for an annoying situation.)