vein´er

vein «vayn», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a) one of the blood vessels or tubes that carry the blood to the heart from all parts of the body. b) any blood vessel.

2. the rib of a leaf; one of the strands or bundles of vascular tissue forming the principal framework of a leaf; nerve or nervure.

3. one of the ribs that strengthen the wing of an insect.

4. a) a small natural channel within the earth through which water trickles or flows. b) a flow of water through such a channel: »

a vein of water.

5. Geology. a) a crack or seam in rock filled with a material, especially metallic ore, different from the containing rock. b) a deposit, as of ore or coal, having a more or less regular development in length, width, and depth; lode: »

a vein of copper.

6. a streak or stream of a different material or texture from the main substance: »

a vein of gristle in the meat.

7. any streak or marking of a different shade or color in wood, marble, or glass.

8. Figurative. a strain or blend of some quality in conduct, writing, speech, or other activity: »

a vein of criticism, comedy written in a witty vein.

9. Figurative. a special character or disposition; state of mind; mood: »

a vein of cruelty, a joking vein. In the midst of a vein of thought…I was interrupted (Washington Irving).

–v.t.

1. to mark (with lines or streaks) in a manner suggesting veins.

2. to cover with, spread out over, or run through (something) the way veins do: »

Many rivers vein the lowlands.

╂[< Old French veine < Latin vēna]

–vein´er, noun.

–vein´like´, adjective.