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vein

noun (LAYER)
 
 
/veɪn/

Definition

[C] a narrow layer of a substance that forms in or fills a crack in rock: A rich vein of iron ore was found in the hillside.Mining and quarryingCoverings and layers [S] a particular quality or characteristic: A vein of satirical anger runs through all his work. In its bid to be elected, the party is attempting to tap (= use) an underlying vein of nationalism in the country.Conditions and characteristics
(Definition of vein noun (LAYER) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
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