n.
- any of the tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood is conveyed from all parts of the body towards the heart.
▸(in general use) a blood vessel.
- (in plants) a slender rib running through a leaf, typically dividing or branching, and containing vascular tissue.
▸(in insects) a hollow rib forming part of the supporting framework of a wing.
- a streak or stripe of a different colour in wood, marble, cheese, etc.
▸a fracture in rock containing a deposit of minerals or ore.
▸a source of a specified quality:
he has tapped a national vein of anger.
- a distinctive quality, style, or tendency:
he closes his article in a humorous vein.
Derivative
- veined adj.
- veining n.
- veinless adj.
- veinlet n.
- vein-like adj.
- veiny adj.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. veine, from L. vena.