Definition

A condition where small blood vessels, especially capillaries, become enlarged or dilated, often appearing as red or purple lines on the skin.

Example

The doctor explained that telangiectasis can occur due to various factors, including sun exposure and aging.

Conversation

Have you heard about telangiectasis?

No, what is it?

It's basically the dilation of capillary vessels, often seen on the skin.

That sounds interesting! I wonder if it affects anyone we know.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Telangiectasis → It is formed from "telos" (from Greek, meaning end or completion), "angeion" (from Greek, meaning vessel), and "ektasis" (from Greek, meaning expansion). The word describes the expansion of small blood vessels at the end of their distribution, leading to visible red or purple lines on the skin.

Memory Tip

Imagine small blood vessels ('angeion') that are 'expanding' ('ektasis') at their 'end' ('telos') — this helps you remember that telangiectasis refers to the visible expansion of these vessels.

Visually Confused Words