vein
UK: veɪn | US: veɪn
n. 1. a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart
n. 2. a distinctive style, tone, or quality (e.g., "a vein of humor")
n. 3. a fracture in rock filled with mineral deposits
The word "vein" traces back to Old French veine, from Latin vēna (meaning "blood vessel, channel, or streak"). The Latin term likely derives from the Proto-Indo-European root weǵʰ- ("to carry, transport"), reflecting its function in circulating blood. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to include streaks in minerals or stylistic threads in writing.
The nurse drew blood from a vein in his arm.
The marble had delicate blue veins running through it.
Her speech carried a vein of optimism despite the challenges.
Miners discovered a rich vein of gold in the mountains.
The leaf's veins were clearly visible under the microscope.