vein

/veɪn/
verb
  1. To mark or cover with lines or streaks that resemble veins.
    • The cheese was veined with blue mold.
    • The artist veined the sculpture with thin cracks to make it look old.
    • Age had veined her hands with blue lines.
noun
  1. A blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart.
    • The nurse found a good vein in his arm for the blood test.
    • She could see the blue veins on the back of her hands.
    • Veins have valves that help blood flow in one direction.
  2. A thin line or streak of a different color or material in something, such as in stone or wood.
    • The wood had dark veins that made it look unique.
    • Geologists found a vein of gold deep in the mountain.
    • The marble countertop had beautiful gray veins running through it.
  3. A particular style, mood, or way of thinking or speaking.
    • Her writing has a humorous vein that readers enjoy.
    • The speech continued in a serious vein.
    • In a similar vein, the next speaker talked about teamwork.
  4. One of the thin tubes that carry fluid in the leaves of plants or in the wings of insects.
    • The plant's veins were clearly visible against the light.
    • You can see the delicate veins in the butterfly's wings.
    • The leaf's veins carry water and nutrients to all parts.