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.

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