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vein
Definition
A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart. Veins are usually blue because they carry deoxygenated blood.
Veins have valves that help to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. The valves open when the blood is flowing and close when the blood is trying to flow backwards.
Veins are found all over the body. They are especially large in the legs and arms, where they help to return blood from the extremities back to the heart.
How can the word be used?
The vein in his arm was visible.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
- a streak or stripe of a different colour or material.
Verb: to form veins in something.
Etymology
The word "vein" comes from the Old English word "veina", which also means "a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart".
The first recorded use of the word "vein" in English was in the 9th century.
Question
What are veins?