◙ 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。 --› compareartery (in general and figurative use) a blood vessel • （泛指，比喻）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。 (in plants) a slender rib running through a leaf or bract, typically dividing or branching, and containing a vascular bundle • （植物）叶脉 (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 a streak or stripe of a different colour in wood, marble, cheese, etc • （木材、大理石、奶酪等）纹理，纹 a fracture in rock containing a deposit of minerals or ore and typically having an extensive course underground • 矿脉 (figurative)a source of a specified quality or other abstract resource • [喻] （特性或其他抽象物）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。