Hemorrhoids

Hem′or·rhoids (hĕm′ŏr·roidz), n. pl. [L. haemorrhoidae, pl., Gr. ?, sing., αἱμορροίδες (sc. φλέβες), pl., veins liable to discharge blood, hemorrhoids, fr. αἱμόρροος flowing with blood; αἷμα blood + ? to flow: cf. F. hémorroïdes, hémorrhoïdes. See Rheum.] (Med.) Livid and painful swellings formed by the dilation of the blood vessels around the margin of, or within, the anus, from which blood or mucus is occasionally discharged; piles; emerods. [The sing. hemorrhoid is rarely used.]