Vein, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
Veined (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Veining.]
To form or mark with veins; to fill or cover with veins.
Tennyson.
Vein (?), n. [OE. veine, F.
veine, L. vena.]
1. (Anat.) One of the vessels which carry
blood, either venous or arterial, to the heart. See Artery,
2.
2. (Bot.) One of the similar branches of the
framework of a leaf.
3. (Zoöl.) One of the ribs or nervures
of the wings of insects. See Venation.
4. (Geol. or Mining) A narrow mass of rock
intersecting other rocks, and filling inclined or vertical fissures not
corresponding with the stratification; a lode; a dike; -- often limited, in
the language of miners, to a mineral vein or lode, that is, to a vein which
contains useful minerals or ores.
5. A fissure, cleft, or cavity, as in the earth or
other substance. "Down to the veins of earth."
Milton.
Let the glass of the prisms be free from
veins.
Sir I. Newton.
6. A streak or wave of different color, appearing
in wood, and in marble and other stones; variegation.
7. A train of association, thoughts, emotions, or
the like; a current; a course.
He can open a vein of true and noble
thinking.
Swift.
8. Peculiar temper or temperament; tendency or turn
of mind; a particular disposition or cast of genius; humor; strain;
quality; also, manner of speech or action; as, a rich vein of humor;
a satirical vein. Shak.
Certain discoursing wits which are of the same
veins.
Bacon.
Invoke the Muses, and improve my vein.
Waller.