telangiectasis

A lesion formed by a dilated capillary or terminal artery, most commonly on the skin. See telangiectasia.

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n. (pl. telangiectases)

a localized collection of distended blood capillary vessels. It is recognized as a red spot, sometimes spidery in appearance, that blanches on pressure. Telangiectases may be found in the skin or the lining of the mouth, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary passages. The condition in which multiple telangiectases occur is termed telangiectasia. It may be seen as an inherited condition associated with a bleeding tendency (haemorrhagic telangiectasia). Accessible bleeding telangiectases (e.g. in the nose) may be obliterated by cauterization.

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tel·an·gi·ec·ta·sis (tə-lan″je-ekґtə-sis) pl. telangiecґtases [tele- + angi- + ectasis] 1. the lesion produced by telangiectasia, which may present as a coarse or fine red line or as a punctum with radiating limbs (spider). 2. telangiectasia.