What does veined mean?
Veined is an adjective meaning that something has veins or displays vein-like lines and patterns. Its uses range from the blue-green markings visible beneath human skin to the branching streaks that give marble, wood, glass, and leaves their distinctive appearance. In descriptions of materials, veined commonly suggests an irregular network of lines rather than a regular decorative stripe. The word can also be used figuratively, as when handwriting is called veined, although such usage may suggest an elaborate or intertwined quality. As a verb, veined is comparatively rare and can mean to furnish or mark something with veins. The adjective and verb are pronounced identically, and the word is used in standard British and American English. It belongs to the same lexical family as vein and related forms such as venous and venule, which also derive ultimately from Latin vena, meaning a blood vessel.
Having veins or marked with vein-like lines, streaks, or patterns.
"She wore a finely veined green blouse."
This is the ordinary modern use and is common in both British and American English.
To furnish or mark something with veins or vein-like lines.
"The craftsman veined the glass with thin lines of gold."
The verbal use is uncommon and is chiefly found in literary, artistic, or technical contexts.
The word describes both the branching patterns in marble and the blue lines that can become visible across a person's hands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How veined is actually used
As an adjective, veined is neutral and common in descriptions of natural surfaces, materials, leaves, and skin. As a verb, it is uncommon and usually means to furnish or mark something with veins.
Easily confused with veined
Veiny means full of veins, often small or visible ones, whereas veined more commonly describes something marked with a pattern of veins or streaks.