Veiny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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veiny

[ˈveɪni ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing appearance

Full of or marked by veins, especially prominent veins close to the surface of the skin.

Synonyms

vascular, veined, venose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
veiny	Often used to describe a surface where veins or vein-like structures are very visible. Commonly applied to skin or plant leaves. His hands were veiny from years of hard labor. The veiny leaves of the plant looked intricate and beautiful.
vascular	Typically used in a scientific or medical context to refer to the system of blood vessels in the body or in plants. She specialized in vascular surgery. The vascular system of the plant includes both xylem and phloem.
veined	Mostly used to describe something that has a network of lines or veins, like leaves, stones, or marble surfaces. The marble countertop was beautifully veined. The artist drew a veined leaf as part of her botanical illustration.
venose	An uncommon and quite formal word that is mostly used in scientific texts or literary descriptions to denote something full of veins. The venose structure of the insect's wings was examined under the microscope. The venose pattern on the leaf caught the scientist's attention.

Examples of usage

Her hands were veiny and wrinkled from years of hard work.
The veiny leaves of the plant were a sign of its healthy growth.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

Visible veins indicate good blood circulation, often seen in healthy, active individuals.
Some plants have a veiny structure, where the leaf veins play a crucial role in transporting nutrients and water.
In animals, prominent veins can be a sign of low body fat or high muscle tone, as less fat means veins are more easily seen.

Art and Design

In art, veiny textures can be used to enhance realism, particularly in depicting foods like fruits and meats.
Artists often use veiny patterns in abstract designs, symbolizing connections and flow, much like veins in the body.
In graphic design, the idea of 'veiny' elements can represent complexity, interconnectivity, or biological themes.

Health and Fitness

Athletes and bodybuilders often strive to have more visible veins, as it indicates low body fat and high muscle definition.
Certain health conditions can cause veins to become more pronounced, such as varicose veins in individuals with weak vein walls.
Proper hydration and circulation exercise can help maintain healthy-looking veins.

Origin of 'veiny'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'vena,' meaning 'vein,' highlighting its connection to the circulatory system.
The adjective form 'veiny' started to be used in English around the early 19th century.
Its meaning has expanded to describe anything that has a similar appearance or texture to veins, like certain fruits or leaves.

The word 'veiny' originates from the Middle English word 'veine', which came from the Old French 'veine', ultimately from the Latin 'vena'. The use of 'veiny' to describe something full of veins has been in use since the 16th century.

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