Vein (?), n. [OE. veine, F. veine, L. vena.]
1. Anat.
One of the vessels which carry blood, either venous or arterial, to the heart. See Artery, 2.
2. Bot.
One of the similar branches of the framework of a leaf.
3. Zool.
One of the ribs or nervures of the wings of insects. See Venation.
4. Geol. or Mining
A narrow mass of rock intersecting other rocks, and filling inclined or vertical fissures not corresponding with the stratification; a lode; a dike; -- often limited, in the language of miners, to a mineral vein or lode, that is, to a vein which contains useful minerals or ores.
5.
A fissure, cleft, or cavity, as in the earth or other substance.
"Down to the
veins of earth."
Milton.
Let the glass of the prisms be free from veins.
Sir I. Newton.
6.
A streak or wave of different color, appearing in wood, and in marble and other stones; variegation.
7.
A train of association, thoughts, emotions, or the like; a current; a course.
He can open a vein of true and noble thinking.
Swift.
8.
Peculiar temper or temperament; tendency or turn of mind; a particular disposition or cast of genius; humor; strain; quality; also, manner of speech or action; as, a rich vein of humor; a satirical vein.
Shak.
Certain discoursing wits which are of the same veins.
Bacon.
Invoke the Muses, and improve my vein.
Waller.
© Webster 1913.
Vein, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Veined (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Veining.]
To form or mark with veins; to fill or cover with veins.
Tennyson.
© Webster 1913.