vein

(vān)

1. a. Anatomy Any of the membranous tubes that form a branching system and carry blood to the heart.
   b. A blood vessel.
2. Botany One of the vascular bundles or ribs that form the branching framework of conducting and supporting tissues in a leaf or other expanded plant organ. Also called nervure.
3. Zoology One of the horny ribs that stiffen and support the wing of an insect. Also called nervure.
4. Geology A regularly shaped and lengthy occurrence of an ore; a lode.
5. A long wavy strip of a different shade or color, as in wood or marble, or as mold in cheese.
6. A fissure, crack, or cleft.
7. A pervading character or quality; a streak: “All through the interminable narrative there ran a vein of impressive earnestness” (Mark Twain). See Synonyms at streak.
8. a. A transient attitude or mood.
   b. A particular turn of mind: spoke later in a more serious vein.

1. To supply or fill with veins.
2. To mark or decorate with veins.

Related Forms:

• veinˈal adjective