vein
/veɪn/noun
1
- any of the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying mainly oxygen-depleted blood towards the heart静脉。比较ARTERY.
1.1
- (in general and figurative use) a blood vessel（普通用语或比喻用法）血管：
he felt the adrenalin course through his veins.
他能感觉到全身血管中涌动着一股兴奋之情。
1.2
- (in plants) a slender rib running through a leaf or bract, typically dividing or branching, and containing a vascular bundle（植物）叶脉。
1.3
- (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（昆虫）翅脉。
1.4
- a streak or stripe of a different colour in wood, marble, cheese, etc.（木材、大理石、奶酪等的）纹理, 纹。
1.5
- a fracture in rock containing a deposit of minerals or ore and typically having an extensive course underground矿脉。
1.6
- figurative a source of a specified quality or other abstract resource〈喻〉（特性或其他抽象物的）起源; 来源：
he managed to tap into the thick vein of discontent to his own advantage.
他设法为一己之利利用激烈的不满情绪。
2
- in sing. a distinctive quality, style, or tendency特色, 倾向, 气质：
he closes his article in a somewhat humorous vein.
他以多少有点幽默的语气结束了文章。
派生词
veinless
adjectiveveinlet
nounvein-like
adjective & adverbveiny
adjective （veinier, veiniest）词源
Middle English: from Old French veine, from Latin vena. The earliest senses were 'blood vessel' and 'small natural underground channel of water'.