vein
Plural
veins
1
any tube or vessel that carries blood to one's heart
A vein is a type of blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood from the body's tissues back to the heart. Veins have thinner walls compared to arteries and often have valves to prevent the backward flow of blood. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system, facilitating the return of blood to the heart for oxygenation. Veins are distributed throughout the body, working in coordination with arteries to maintain proper blood flow and ensure the efficient exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the tissues and the cardiovascular system.
- Veins help move blood from the legs and arms back to the heart.
- Blood clots can form in veins, which can be dangerous if they travel to other parts of the body.
- Veins have thin walls and valves to keep blood moving in the right direction.
- Sometimes veins can swell and become painful, especially in the legs.
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2
a stiffening rib or support structure in the wing of an insect
A vein is one of the rigid, tubular structures that run through the wings of insects, providing support and rigidity. These veins are made of a chitinous material and help to maintain the shape and structure of the wing during flight. Veins in insect wings are arranged in a complex pattern, forming a network that strengthens the delicate wing membrane. They serve as channels for the flow of hemolymph, the insect equivalent of blood, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the wing tissues. The arrangement and number of veins can vary across insect species and play a crucial role in determining wing shape, strength, and functionality. The veins of an insect wing are an integral component of its flight apparatus, contributing to the insect's ability to maneuver, glide, and maintain stability while in the air.
- The dragonfly's wing veins create a delicate lattice.
- Entomologists study the pattern of veins on butterfly wings.
- The vein in the mosquito's wing was barely visible.
- Veins provide strength and shape to the insect's wings.
- The bee's forewing has a network of veins.
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3
a distinctive style, manner, or quality of expression
- The poem was written in a humorous vein.
- She spoke in a reflective vein during the lecture.
- His remarks followed a critical vein.
- The novel continues in the same adventurous vein.
- The composer worked in a romantic vein throughout his career.
4
a layer or deposit of mineral ore between layers of rock
- The miners extracted gold from a vein in the mountain.
- The vein of silver ran deep underground.
- Geologists mapped the copper vein for exploration.
- They followed the vein to find more ore.
- A rich vein of quartz was discovered near the river.
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5
vascular bundles or supporting ribs in leaves or other plant organs
- The leaf's veins transport water and nutrients.
- Maple leaves have prominent veins visible on both sides.
- The pattern of veins helps in identifying plant species.
- Veins in the stem provide structural support.
- Veins form a network connecting all parts of the leaf.
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