vein
vein Lexical Profile
vein Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying in most cases oxygen-depleted blood toward the heart.
"The nurse expertly located a vein in his arm to draw a blood sample."
A distinctive quality, style, or characteristic tendency.
"The author continued in a similar vein for the remainder of the philosophical essay."
A fracture in rock containing a deposit of minerals or ore, or a distinct line or streak of color in wood, marble, or a leaf.
"The prospector discovered a rich vein of gold running through the quartz."
• verb
To mark with distinct lines, streaks, or branching patterns.
"Age had veined the old man's hands with prominent blue lines."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'vein' is often confused in spelling with its homophones 'vain' (meaning conceited or futile) and 'vane' (a blade turned by the wind).
• Rhymes for vein
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English, from Old French veine, from Latin vena, meaning 'blood vessel, watercourse, or vein of metal'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.