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Veins Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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veins

[veɪnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

human anatomy

Veins are blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. They usually have thinner walls and lower blood pressure compared to arteries.

Synonyms

blood vessels, capillaries.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
veins

Used to refer to the large blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. Often mentioned in medical contexts, discussions about anatomy, or health issues.

  • The nurse had trouble finding a vein for the IV.
  • He had prominent veins on his arms.
blood vessels

A general term that includes arteries, veins, and capillaries. It's used when talking broadly about the circulatory system without specifying the type of vessel.

  • Blood vessels become more elastic with regular exercise.
  • Damage to blood vessels can lead to serious health conditions.
capillaries

Refers to the tiny blood vessels that connect arteries to veins and facilitate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients between blood and tissues. Often used in scientific or health-related discussions.

  • Capillaries are so small that red blood cells can only pass through them single file.
  • Capillaries play a crucial role in the body's ability to deliver oxygen to tissues.

Examples of usage

  • The veins in my hands are very prominent.
  • Varicose veins can be a common problem as people age.
Context #2 | Noun

geology

Veins are mineral deposits within rock formations, often containing valuable resources such as gold or silver.

Synonyms

lodes, mineral deposits.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
veins

Geology or biology context, referring to narrow, sheet-like intrusions within rock, often filled with minerals, or the blood vessels in plants and animals.

  • The gold was found in the veins of quartz
  • Human veins carry blood back to the heart
mineral deposits

General and broader context, refers to accumulations of minerals in the earth, often mined for extraction.

  • The region is known for its extensive mineral deposits
  • Scientists are studying how mineral deposits form in marine environments
lodes

Mainly in mining and geology contexts, indicating a major large deposit of minerals embedded in rock.

  • They discovered a rich lode of copper in the mountains
  • The miner spent years searching for the jack-pot lode

Examples of usage

  • The miners discovered a rich vein of gold in the mountains.
  • The geologist studied the formation of quartz veins in the area.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Veins are part of the circulatory system and work alongside arteries to transport blood.
  • Unlike arteries, veins have valves that prevent blood from flowing backward.
  • Deep veins are located within muscles, while superficial veins are just under the skin.

Health

  • Varicose veins occur when veins become enlarged and painful, often due to standing for long periods.
  • Leg swelling can indicate poor blood flow through the veins, highlighting their importance in circulation.

Art and Literature

  • In literature, veins are often used metaphorically to represent life force and connectivity.
  • Artists sometimes depict veins in human anatomy to illustrate the flow of energy in the body.

History

  • In ancient medicine, understanding veins was crucial for early doctors who practiced bloodletting as a treatment.
  • The discovery of the circulatory system in the 17th century by William Harvey changed how veins were understood, emphasizing their role in blood flow.

Origin of 'veins'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'vena,' which means 'vein' or 'blood vessel.'
  • In older languages, similar terms were used to describe the concept of channels in both the body and plants.

The word 'veins' originated from the Latin word 'vena', which referred to a blood vessel. Over time, its usage expanded to include other types of passages or deposits within various structures. The concept of veins in both anatomy and geology has been crucial in understanding the flow of fluids and resources within different systems.

See also: vein, veined, veining, veinous, veiny, venose.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,450, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.