1any of the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying mainly oxygen-depleted blood towards the heart.Compare with artery.
(in general use) a blood vessel:he felt the adrenalin course through his veins
(in plants) a slender rib running through a leaf or bract, typically dividing or branching, and containing a vascular bundle.
(in insects) a hardened branching rib that forms part of the supporting framework of a wing, consisting of an extension of the tracheal system; a nervure.
2a fracture in rock containing a deposit of minerals or ore and typically having an extensive course underground:gold-bearing quartz veins
a streak or stripe of a different colour in wood, marble, cheese, etc..
a source of a specified quality:he managed to tap into the thick vein of discontent to his own advantageUnited have hit a rich vein of form
3 [in singular] a distinctive quality, style, or tendency:he closes his article in a somewhat humorous vein
