[ 'hɛmərɔɪd ]
( US hemorrhoid )
■ noun (usu. ~s ) a swollen vein or group of veins in the region of the anus (collectively called piles).
Derivatives
~al adjective
Origin
ME: via OFr. and L. from Gk haimorrhoides (phlebes) 'bleeding (veins)', from haima 'blood' + an element related to rhein 'to flow'.