1. blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart
Usage: anatomy
2. thin lines or streaks running through something, especially rock, wood, or leaves
3. deposits of mineral ore in rock
Usage: geology; mining

Examples

• The nurse could easily see the veins in his arm.
• Blue veins were visible through her pale skin.
• The marble had beautiful white veins running through it.
• Miners discovered rich veins of gold in the mountain.
• The leaf’s veins formed an intricate pattern.
• There was a vein of humor in his serious speech.
• A vein of sadness ran through the entire novel.