vein

noun

\ ˈvān

Definition of vein

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : blood vessel especially : any of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart

2a : any of the vascular bundles forming the framework of a leaf

b : any of the thickened cuticular ribs that serve to stiffen the wings of an insect

3a : a narrow water channel in rock or earth or in ice

b(1) : lode sense 2

(2) : a bed of useful mineral matter

c : lode sense 3

4 : something suggesting veins (as in reticulation) specifically : a wavy variegation (as in marble)

5a : a distinctive mode of expression : style stories in a romantic vein

b : a distinctive element or quality : strain introduced a welcome vein of humor

c : a line of thought or action

6a : a special aptitude inherited an artistic vein

b : a usually transitory and casually attained mood

c : top form thou troublest me; I am not in the vein— William Shakespeare

vein

verb

veined; veining; veins

Definition of vein (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to pattern with or as if with veins

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Examples of vein in a Sentence

Noun

the author goes on in that sarcastic vein for pages

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

To this day, that spirit runs through the veins of every American patriot. — Christal Hayes, USA TODAY, "'Nothing America can't do': Donald Trump touts U.S. military strength in 4th of July speech," 4 July 2019 In the vein of some of BTS’s previous offerings, the melodic track tackles love and self-acceptance— all the while showcasing the septet's awe-inspiring vocals. — Sara Delgado, Teen Vogue, "BTS Fans Adore the New Music Video for Japanese Single "Lights"," 3 July 2019 The first third of the movie is relatively benign, thoroughly in the vein of a horror comedy that’s trying to make nice with a broad audience. — Aja Romano, Vox, "The new Child’s Play is nonsensical and fun. Just don’t expect it to be like the old Child’s Play.," 21 June 2019 He was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in March. — Brett Martel, chicagotribune.com, "Lakers acquire Anthony Davis from the Pelicans in a deal that includes Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and 3 first-round picks," 15 June 2019 He was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in March. — Washington Post, "AP Source: Lakers, Pelicans, agree on Anthony Davis trade," 15 June 2019 Ingram, a 21-year-old third-year pro, averaged 18.3 points per game this season but his year was cut short by deep vein thrombosis. — Andrew Lopez, nola.com, "Anthony Davis traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for 3 players, multiple picks," 15 June 2019 African, Spanish, French, Dutch and British blood pumps through the veins of the islands’ diverse population. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "Black Travel Vibes: Puerto Rico is Popping (In Case You Needed a Reminder)," 10 June 2019 To minimize the structural changes and mitigate any possible weight gain, an open-roof NSX would most likely feature a removable roof panel in the vein of the Chevrolet Corvette. — Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, "Acura NSX May Add a 650-HP Type R Model and a Convertible Variant," 28 May 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Taking 579 years and at least 78 chief architects to complete, the cathedral is one of the jewels of Europe; a canal network was created just to transport slabs of its pink-veined marble from Lake Maggiore 50 miles away. — Michael J. Bailey, BostonGlobe.com, "In Milan, a low-tech saunter through a mecca of high fashion," 18 June 2019 The charge of corruption veined every criticism, including the groundless one that Adams was filling the executive mansion with frivolous luxuries purchased at the public’s expense. — David S. Heidler And Jeanne T. Heidler, WSJ, "Midterms Have Been Punishing Incumbents Since 1826," 25 Oct. 2018 Subtle tone-on-tone veining adds depth to this Corian palette of soothing neutrals: Camel, Ecru, Cirrus White, and Natural Gray. — Rebecca Winzenried, ELLE Decor, "Home Magazine's 5th Annual Kitchen & Bath Awards 2003," 5 July 2012 Computer models predict more than 3 feet of rain in the eastern part of the state, a fertile low-lying plain veined by brackish rivers with a propensity for escaping their banks. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Hurricane could flood many waste sites, creating toxic brew," 11 Sep. 2018 Computer models predict more than 3 feet of rain in the eastern part of the state, a fertile low-lying plain veined by brackish rivers with a propensity for escaping their banks. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Hurricane could flood many waste sites, creating toxic brew," 11 Sep. 2018 Computer models predict more than 3 feet of rain in the eastern part of the state, a fertile low-lying plain veined by brackish rivers with a propensity for escaping their banks. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Hurricane could flood many waste sites, creating toxic brew," 11 Sep. 2018 Computer models predict more than 3 feet of rain in the eastern part of the state, a fertile low-lying plain veined by brackish rivers with a propensity for escaping their banks. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Hurricane could flood many waste sites, creating toxic brew," 11 Sep. 2018 Computer models predict more than 3 feet of rain in the eastern part of the state, a fertile low-lying plain veined by brackish rivers with a propensity for escaping their banks. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Hurricane could flood many waste sites, creating toxic brew," 11 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vein.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for vein

Noun

Middle English veyne, borrowed from Anglo-French veine, going back to Latin vēna "blood vessel, channel," of obscure origin

Verb

verbal derivative of vein entry 1

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Dictionary Entries near vein

Statistics for vein

Last Updated

9 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for vein

The first known use of vein was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for vein

vein

noun

English Language Learners Definition of vein

: any one of the tubes that carry blood from parts of the body back to the heart

: any one of the thin lines that can be seen on the surface of a leaf or on the wing of an insect

: a long, narrow opening in rock filled with gold, silver, etc.

See the full definition for vein in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vein

noun

\ ˈvān

Kids Definition of vein

1 : one of the blood vessels that carry the blood back to the heart

2 : a long narrow opening in rock filled with a specific mineral a vein of gold

3 : a streak of different color or texture (as in marble)

4 : a style of expression I continued in a more serious vein.— Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted

5 : one of the bundles of fine tubes that make up the framework of a leaf and carry food, water, and nutrients in the plant

6 : one of the slender parts that stiffen and support the wing of an insect

vein

noun

\ ˈvān

Medical Definition of vein

: any of the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart and have thinner walls than the arteries and often valves at intervals to prevent reflux of the blood which flows in a steady stream and is in most cases dark-colored due to the presence of reduced hemoglobin