noun / verb
vein
A narrow band of material running through a larger mass.
A thin vein of quartz runs through the dark rock.
Etymology
The blood vessel's branching narrow form supplied a comparison. A mineral vein is a band running through rock like a vessel through tissue.
More examples
- The miners follow a vein of copper deep underground.
- Fine golden streaks vein the marble countertop.
- She continues in the same humorous vein throughout her speech.
Forms
vein · veins · veined · veining