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

In a cooler vein, Charli XCX just displayed her fashion chops by choosing a much trickier piece, compared to the very versatile mesh. — Vogue, "Kardashians, Who? Charli XCX Is Obsessed With Vintage Jean Paul Gaultier, Too," 8 Apr. 2019 In the vein of typical Game of Thrones production, details on the actors' roles remain secret. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Game of Thrones Prequel Announces Eight More Stars and a Director," 8 Jan. 2019 These stories, in any case, are irresistible, delivering a portrait of contemporary relationships that, although bleak, is shot through with veins of real connection. — Julie Orringer, New York Times, "Short Stories That Travel the World From a Deliciously Off-Kilter Perspective," 22 June 2018 His accessories were in the same vein as Holmes’s: white low-tops and squared shades. — Vogue, "Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx Raise the Bar on Off-Duty Couple Style," 16 Apr. 2019 The blast hit his right elbow, shredding veins and bone and sending blood spraying out onto the ground, according to reports. — John D. Harden, Houston Chronicle, "Officer injured during Santa Fe High School shooting discharged from hospital," 6 June 2018 Remove any veins and rinse shrimp, if needed, and pat dry thoroughly. — Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, "Grilling season is here; prosciutto-wrapped shrimp are a perfect way to celebrate," 31 May 2018 Remove vein and peel shrimp (freeze the shells and save for stock!). — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Shrimp and No-Stir Grits," 14 May 2018 The bullet went through Diane's left rib cage and diaphragm, severed a vein and artery in her spleen, and then hit several organs including her left kidney and stomach. — CBS News, "Atlanta attorney fatally shoots wife in SUV: Accident or cold-blooded murder?," 28 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

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 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

14 May 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